Unlimited priesthood

Chapter 185 Storm and Cloud
Three years later, at the summit of Xuanxiao Mountain, at the top of Fengyun Peak.

The mountain is thousands of feet high, its peaks pierce the clouds, and its summit stands between heaven and earth, earning it the reputation of "the first mountain in the Central Plains".

It doesn't deserve this name. After all, the Central Plains was the most virtuous land in ancient times, with countless famous mountains and rivers, and immortal and demonic places. Xuanxiao is just an ordinary place, so how could it be number one?

However, at the end of ancient times, immortals and demons fought in chaos, heaven and earth shattered, primordial spirits fell silent, and the world was demoted.

Those ancient famous mountains and immortal and demonic sites either ascended with them or were made hidden from the world by the method of creating grotto heavens. The few remaining beautiful ones, such as Taihua Xuantian, were also moved overseas by various sects.

Xuanxiao Mountain was originally one of them, but because there was a sword hidden in the mountain, which was left by an ancient great cultivator, it was placed in the mountain, connecting the sky and the earth. No one could be its master, and the mountain gate was difficult to move. Only some disciples could be left to guard it, which eventually evolved into a sect.

This is the origin of Xuanxiao Mountain, Xuanxiao Sword, and Xuanxiao Sect.

However, the Xuanxiao Sect was destroyed by the demonic path decades ago, and the Xuanxiao Sword also went with its Heavenly Sword Master. Only this mountain gate remains unchanged, still standing here, witnessing the changes of time.

Now, it will witness another momentous event in the cultivation world that will attract worldwide attention and be recorded in history.

At the summit of Fengyun Peak, immortals and demons meet, swords clash!

"Whoosh!"

Amidst the sea of ​​clouds, a sound of air being torn apart was heard, first a point of golden light appeared, then a golden ship was formed.

On the golden ship, the cultivators stood side by side, including senior masters such as Mei Daoren, the South Sea Earth Nun, and the Turtle-Fishing Old Man, as well as rising talents such as Yu Lingying, Wen Renying, Gu Shenxiu, and Zhong Yuxiu, and junior disciples such as Qi Qing'er.

The group arrived aboard the Golden Ship of Salvation and could see the summit of Xuanxiao Peak in the distance, which was also the battlefield for this duel of swords and spears—Fengyun Peak.

"Just right here."

With a flick of his whisk, Master Mei brought the Golden Ship of Salvation to an immediate halt. It was more than three thousand miles away from the Peak of Wind and Clouds, and even with the extraordinary eyesight of a cultivator, it seemed somewhat distant.

Everyone agreed with this.

After all, when the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer as well.

Just like Hidden Sword Mountain three years ago, the sight of the demonic blade reaching the sky and splitting the earth for hundreds of miles is still fresh in my memory.

Now that swords are clashing and immortals and demons are fighting, the intensity is probably even greater than the battle of Cangjian. Who would dare to come close to watch?

It's better to keep your distance.

As with the Golden Ship of Salvation, so it was with others. Streams of light pierced through, none daring to approach the thousand-mile encirclement of Xuanxiao. They either hung high in the void of clouds or landed on several distant peaks.

There were also some Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators who dared not frighten the high cultivators in the sky, so they could only observe from the ground at low altitudes. However, they could not see clearly, which was like scratching an itch through a boot, and they could not bear it.

"Why must it be set on my Xuanxiao Mountain?"

On the golden ship of salvation, Gu Shenxiu, dressed in a green robe, was handsome and refined.

However, as he gazed ahead at the familiar mountain scenery, his brows furrowed, unable to relax.

It's naturally difficult to feel comfortable!

This is Xuanxiao Mountain, the Xuanxiao Sect's Xuanxiao Mountain!

As the last surviving member of the Xuanxiao Sect, Gu Shenxiu was very dissatisfied with this battle.

After all, the tragic scene at Cangjian Mountain was still fresh in everyone's mind. The two great demons, Tianlu Sanzai, were rampaging with their ferocious power, not only destroying all the peaks of Cangjian, but also opening up a hundred-mile-deep abyss in the mountain with their final strike. The entire Cangjian land vein was severed, spiritual energy was lost, and all life was extinguished.

Now that swords are drawn, how does the Azure Sword Master compare to the Heavenly Slaughter Demon?

No one knows.

However, judging from the attitude of the Three Calamities Demon Lord towards him during the previous challenge, he was probably only stronger, not weaker.

As a result, the fate of Xuanxiao Mountain is predictable, and it will likely be even more tragic than that of Cangjian Mountain.

How could Gu Shenxiu accept this? He was the only remaining member of the Xuanxiao Sect, how could he watch his own sect be destroyed?

But there was nothing they could do but accept it, since it was the Three Calamities Demon King who had set the date for this battle.

This demon is extremely fierce and powerful. After the battle at Hidden Sword Mountain, his reputation soared. Although neither the righteous nor the demonic paths liked him, they still respected him as the Three Calamities Demon Lord. He has been listed as one of the Three Fiends of the Western Sea and one of the Two Unruly Figures of the North and South.

Some busybodies even gave them the title of "Six Demons of the Universe," implying that they were to be compared to the Seven Cultivators of Taiyuan.

Gu Shenxiu didn't know who was secretly stirring up trouble and spreading these rumors, but he was truly helpless against the Three Calamities Demon.

After all, his cultivation level is only at the Golden Core stage. Even as one of the Two Heroes and the Lord of Xuanxiao's Destiny, he is helpless against the ferocious and powerful Three Calamities Demon.

If the one who made the battle agreement is the Azure Sword Master, even if his strength is far inferior, he can still stand up and speak based on his destiny.

But those three calamity demons...

The demon is ferocious and unreasonable!
Therefore, he could only suffer in silence.

Even the Azure Sword Master couldn't say anything.

after all……

"Junior Sister Yuxiu!"

Yu Lingying turned around and looked at Zhong Yuxiu beside her: "Senior Li, are you really confident in this battle?"

"Of course!"

Zhong Yuxiu still maintained her "My master is invincible" demeanor: "My master will surely win this battle."

"oh!?"

Yu Lingying and Wenren Ying exchanged a glance, both hesitant to speak. After three years of living together, they knew their junior sister's personality well. They could say whatever they wanted, except for one frustrating thing: her excessive...

worship?

I don't know how to describe it, and it's best not to say too much. Saying too much might damage the friendship between the three heroes and two outstanding individuals and affect the destiny to break the demon.

Helpless, the two had to change the subject.

"East China Sea, South China Sea, North China Sea."

“People from all the sects of Xuanmen have come.”

"The Western Sea Demonic Path must have also sent out spies to hide among the crowd."

"This battle has captured the world's attention!"

"After all, it will affect the trend of Taiyuan."

"Unfortunately, Senior Sister Li is still trapped in that immortal abode, and the sect leader and several True Immortals are also unable to extricate themselves."

"This battle is out of control, and the outcome is even more unpredictable."

"If anything goes wrong..."

Wenren Ying muttered to herself, her eyes filled with worry.

High above in the heavens, they observe the general trend of events.

But ordinary people on the ground don't have such foresight.

They only focus on one thing.

That is……

"In your opinion, fellow Daoists, who will win and who will lose this battle?"

On a small mountain peak, a large number of cultivators gathered to observe the changing winds and clouds over Xuanxiao. Although their cultivation levels were not high, and most of them were at the Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment stage, they were still able to engage in lively discussions.

"Logically speaking, the Three Calamities Demon Lord has a better chance of winning."

"Oh, how so?"

"That goes without saying. The Three Calamities Demon Lord first swept away the demonic cultivators in the inland areas, forcing the demonic path to fortify its defenses and avoid his sharp edge. Then he went to the South China Sea to slaughter demons and consecrate his sword. The cultivators in the South China Sea, whether righteous or demonic, all feared his power. In the end, he even defied the heavens to attain the Dao and survived the tribulation of heavenly punishment!"

"After returning to the inland, he even slew the Heavenly Demon Lord with his sword, and used his Nascent Soul to fight against the Primordial Spirit. He is suspected to be a reincarnation of a true demon, a powerful cultivator who has made great progress. His battle record is outstanding, and his ferocity is awe-inspiring!"

"In comparison, the Azure Nether Sword Master's record is somewhat weak. Apart from breaking the Nine-Nine Undying Heavenly Tribulation with the Dongting Sword, he also killed the Black Mountain Demon and others in the Xuanxu Secret Realm decades ago when he fought three against one. Although it was not bad, it was still inferior to the Three Calamities Demon Lord."

"Therefore, logically speaking, the Three Calamities Demon Lord has a greater chance of winning!"

A monk spoke, causing everyone to frown.

"That's not how it works. The Azure Sword Master went to Hidden Sword Mountain with the intention of killing the Heavenly Slaughter Demon with his sword, but the Three Calamities Demon beat him to it."

"Exactly! We haven't even fought yet, how can we know who's better?"

"Don't boost others' morale while diminishing your own."

"If those three calamity demons win, the demonic scourge that has been so hard to quell will surely erupt again."

Someone spoke up, but it was out of a sense of political stance.

Some people disagreed with this.

"You can't say that."

"Although the Three Calamities Demon Lord is a demonic cultivator, when it came to this demonic calamity, it was he who quelled it single-handedly, and he killed demonic cultivators from all sides and the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord."

"Over the years, he has been using his sword in the inland and South China Sea regions to slaughter demonic cultivators, without harming the innocent."

"Hmph, that's because the Three Calamities Demon Blade he cultivates is most suitable for being refined by demonic cultivators."

“This kind of demon is insane and ruthless. After he slaughters all the demon cultivators, we will also become his sacrificial offerings.”

"A demon is a demon; don't expect him to change his ways."

"You're speaking up for him, haven't you secretly been practicing demonic arts too?" "I'll curse your mother..."

The conversation gradually escalated into a conflict, threatening to escalate into a physical fight.

At this moment...

"Um!?"

"coming!"

High above the sky, amidst the sea of ​​clouds, the cultivators' eyes narrowed.

Then, the sky was stained with blood, and a sword mark appeared across the sky.

"boom!!!"

A blade mark flashed across the sky, and karmic fire, like blood, spread to the heavens in an instant, landing atop the clouds and wind.

Then the blade flashed and revealed a figure, dressed in black as if from the deepest abyss, exuding overwhelming demonic power.

"Boom!!!"

At the same time, everyone's swords hummed, and a cold light shot in, instantly entering the arena.

A cold, gleaming sword flashed as it plunged into the arena, revealing a figure clad in pristine white, with an ethereal and otherworldly air.

Exactly...

"Dao Sword - Li Qingming!"

"Demon Blade - Martial Madman!"

The two faced each other, their eyes met, and they called out each other's names.

"We've been looking forward to this battle for so long!"

The swordsman stood sternly: "Don't disappoint me!"

"Swords clash, and the Dao and the Demonic mutually test each other!"

The swordsman replied frankly, "I will certainly satisfy you!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

His words were calm and unspoken, yet they resonated throughout the heavens and earth, silencing all around him.

Amidst the sea of ​​clouds, the cultivators remained silent, each speculating amongst themselves.

Instead, the sounds of everyday conversations could be heard in the mountains and fields.

"These two people..."

"Why do you have such a contradictory way of speaking?"

"What do you know? This is the demeanor of a master."

"But why do I feel like they know each other?"

"You don't need to feel it, they just know each other."

“I could tell when the duel was arranged that the Three Calamities Demon Lord and the Azure Nether Sword Master clearly knew each other, and might even be acquainted.”

"What's so strange about that? Back then, the demonic path fortified itself and even sowed discord, leading the Three Calamities Demon Lord to Dongting Lake to challenge the Azure Nether Sword Master. The two fought several battles, but neither could gain the upper hand, and it was difficult to determine the winner. In the end, the Three Calamities Demon Lord went to the South Sea to slaughter demons and consecrate his sword."

"I guess they made a pact of war around that time."

"Is that so? Who told you that?"

"It's what people are saying..."

In the mountains and fields, rumors and gossip abound.

Amidst the sea of ​​clouds, the group of high-ranking cultivators had also heard about it, but dared not speak rashly. At this moment, they had no time to be distracted, their eyes fixed on the summit of Fengyun Peak.

The showdown at the summit, a clash of swords.

Two figures stood facing each other, one as majestic as a mountain, the other as still as an abyss.

The deep pool and the towering mountain stand tall, the towering mountain and the deep pool.

No one moved, no one spoke, only their qi interacted, in that invisible space, like water and fire refining each other, growing stronger and stronger, growing stronger and stronger.

at last……

"Ding!!!"

With a soft sound, the weapons clashed, but the two remained motionless. Only their auras took shape, with sword and blade energy surging forth in a fierce clash.

"Bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang!"

Suddenly, a fierce sound erupted, like a violent storm, as swords clashed violently, blurring the boundaries of space.

The surrounding things were also ravaged; the swords and blades, both invisible and tangible, left countless marks and wounds on Fengyun Peak and the surrounding peaks.

Xuanxiao Fengyun, with its five peaks, is magnificent and beautiful. It is also nourished by a fifth-order earth vein, and the stones on the peaks are even stronger than gold and iron. Even strong winds and poisonous rains cannot erode them in the slightest. It has stood there for countless millennia, unchanged through the vicissitudes of time.

But now, as swords clashed, the mere clash of their energies caused the mountains and rocks to tremble, the summit of Fengyun Peak to shake violently, countless boulders to tumble down, and dust to billow in the distance. As sword and blade marks were etched on the summit, they also obscured the figures of the two men.

"These two...!?"

On the golden ship of salvation, Yu Lingying and Wenren Ying's eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of fear.

Although they had long known that these two were extraordinary, they had only heard about them and had never seen them with their own eyes. They knew they were strong, but did not know exactly how strong they were.

Only now are we beginning to see the signs.

It was this clue that made him instantly focus and dare not relax even for a moment.

The two heroes were like this, and so were the others; all the Nascent Soul cultivators were paying close attention.

"This sword demon..."

"Have you fully recovered from your injuries?"

"Having suffered from that annihilating demonic fire and then unleashing an extreme counterattack, how could such injuries and damage be fully recovered within three years?"

"It's so scary, so scary!"

“What the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord said is correct; what he cultivates is definitely not the ordinary Three Calamities Demon Blade.”

"Their energies clashed, their swords met for the first time, and yet they possessed such power?"

"The Azure Sword Master is also extraordinary, not at all inferior!"

"Such a figure could actually emerge from the inland region!"

"What a magnificent duel of swords!"

Everyone watched intently, their thoughts wandering, each view revealing a different peak than the last.

"boom!!!"

At this moment, at the summit, swords clashed with a deafening roar, causing the wind and clouds to scatter in chaos.

But this is not the end, only the beginning, the beginning of the duel of swords.

"Come!!!"

But as the swordsman raised his hand, the Three Calamities of Karmic Fire erupted, instantly transforming into a demonic blade.

"The Three Calamities—The Opening of the Land!"

With the demonic blade in hand, karmic flames surged, and then he unleashed a slash—the first form of the demonic blade technique.

"Sword One—Life!"

The swordsman also raised his hand, and the Dao Sword appeared with a chilling aura. A sword light slashed out, then split in the middle, one begets two, two begets three, three begets all things, instantly generating millions of sword energies. Thousands of swords and tens of thousands of swords then converged into a single sword stream, vast and mighty, directly striking the enemy.

This is the initial form of the Dao Sword, the move of creation.

The sword moves from creation to destruction, while the knife moves from destruction to creation.

Faced with the vast sword current that suddenly appeared, the swordsman was fearless and dauntless. His earth-splitting sword did not hesitate and crashed down, unleashing a hundred-foot-long blade of light, with karmic fire burning within it, slashing at the sword current with unparalleled power.

"boom!!!"

The initial clash shook the heavens and the earth, causing the summit of Fengyun Peak to tremble and reveal a hundred-foot-long blade mark. Within the blade mark were dense sword wounds, truly a case of intertwined elements. If it were not a fifth-order spiritual mountain, it would have already collapsed.

Even in its initial form, it possessed such power, shocking the world.

The people in the arena were completely unaware, and one move followed another.

"The Three Calamities - Rending Wind!"

"Sword Two—Die!"

(End of this chapter)