Chapter 134: The Nine Provinces Converge, Heaven and Earth Transform

A single sword strike splits the void.

The sword art of the Holy Lord Qiye sent Jiang Ming’s heart racing; he felt a sense of threat, realizing that his opponent was far stronger than the Black Mountain Old Demon—and not just by a small margin. Where the sword light rose, the heavens trembled.

However, Jiang Ming also sensed that this strike held no killing intent.

"Sword Three, Nine Suns Scorch the Rivers and Seas!"

Jiang Ming twisted his long sword, unleashing a strike into the air. In an instant, the essence of supreme Yang swept through the heavens and earth; beneath the vast night sky, it was as if nine great suns had emerged.

In the blink of an eye, his sword light was torn asunder.

"His strike seemed simple, yet the Dao intent contained within was exceptionally terrifying, easily suppressing my Pure Yang sword intent."

"This is pure suppression of cultivation realm!"

"His sword energy is condensed to the extreme!"

"He hasn't even activated his Celestial Phenomenon pressure."

"Holy Lord Qiye is truly extraordinary."

Jiang Ming did not panic.

The sword light flashed again.

Light and darkness appeared simultaneously, and with this strike, he evolved a barrier, forming a defense before him.

Sword Eleven, Light and Dark Daluo Realm.

Holy Lord Qiye’s strike was blocked; it failed to tear through the Light and Dark Daluo Realm and eventually shattered.

*Clang!*

The long sword spun back and returned to its scabbard.

"You have actually mastered two terrifying sword paths!" Divine light bloomed in Holy Lord Qiye’s eyes, his interest greatly piqued, his fighting spirit soaring. "Take another strike from me!"

"Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique!"

The long sword was drawn once more, faster than could be imagined.

Accompanying it was an incomparably powerful pressure, as if the firmament had solidified, only to suddenly crash down. This was the fusion of spirit with the heavens, manipulating the Dao rhythms of the realm to form a terrifying heavenly might.

It looked like the same type of strike.

Yet, its power was many times greater than the previous one.

"A magnificent Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique! It contains the extreme of speed, harbors the brilliance of sharpness, and carries the weight of heavenly might. This strike alone could at least severely wound the Black Mountain Old Demon!" As Jiang Ming spoke, he felt a crushing pressure.

It was a power far more formidable than the pressure of a Celestial Phenomenon. It was far beyond anything the Black Mountain Old Demon could compare to.

The rock beneath his feet shattered. He even felt a sense of being overwhelmed.

Looking to the other side, Jian Chen’s face turned pale. His body went limp, and he fell to one knee, his sword stabbed into the rock to steady himself. He was trembling all over, cold sweat pouring down. He looked at Holy Lord Qiye with immense terror. Even his own master might not be this strong. It was too horrifying.

Yan Chixia’s body shuddered as the pressure of a Celestial Phenomenon suddenly erupted, barely blocking the force.

"How can one kill such a monster?" he thought. He had always spared no effort in vanquishing demons and eliminating devils.

Ye Hongyu turned pale, biting her tongue until blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. She stared fixedly at Holy Lord Qiye: "Is this the true strength of Holy Lord Qiye? It is said to have broken the edge of my elder brother's blade, and is spoken of as no weaker than Jun Mo, capable of contending with Liu Bai."

She shifted her gaze to Jiang Ming, and her expression changed again.

"This heavenly might is directed at him, yet he is able to withstand it completely, and with ease. He hasn't even reached the Celestial Phenomenon realm where one's spirit merges with heaven and earth, let alone the Heaven-Man realm. How did he do it?"

She was baffled, and even more shocked.

*Rumble...*

Jiang Ming circulated the true energy within his body, forming a Primordial momentum, forcefully resisting the heavenly might. Streams of Dao rhythm rose and merged into his sword light.

"Zhu Xian Sword, strike!"

The Heaven Sword of the firmament, carrying slaughter, death, and destruction, and imbued with the power of the world, made Jiang Ming’s strike even more terrifying.

The Zhu Xian Sword, fused with the Dao of artistic conception.

With the intent of the Heaven Sword as the bone, the power of the world as the defense, and the sharpness of slaughter, death, and destruction, he collided with his opponent once more.

Both sword energies reached a hundred zhang, abnormally terrifying, tearing through the long sky and severing the laws of nature. The vast sword intent swept in all directions.

The moment they clashed, time and space seemed to stand still.

*Bang!*

Jiang Ming’s sword light was shattered directly.

Holy Lord Qiye’s long sword continued to press down; although its power was weakened by more than half, it was still terrifyingly strong.

"The peak of the Heaven-Man realm is truly formidable!"

Jiang Ming’s brow twitched, but he was also at his fastest.

"Sword Twelve, Black Hole Point Breaks Ten Thousand Laws!"

With a single strike, the space twisted, piercing through the void to strike the sword radiance, shattering the Heaven-Slaying sword energy.

In an instant, the void erupted into endless wild currents. The scattered sword energy tore the distant mountains apart.

"Spatial sword path—that such a genius as you should appear in this world is incredible!" Holy Lord Qiye’s expression grew grave. "You haven't even reached the sixth realm, yet you have realized so many sword paths. Your true energy is terrifyingly pure, no worse than the quality of my own. What place in this world could cultivate a figure like you? The Academy?"

He shook his head again: "The Academy is neither high-profile nor low-profile; if a disciple like you were walking the world, they would have made it public long ago."

"Must one come from a profound place to give birth to a powerhouse?" Jiang Ming said, his sword clanking in his hand. "Holy Lord Qiye, let us fight again. Let me see what your strength is truly like. If it’s lacking, you won't be leaving today!"

"Haha..." Holy Lord Qiye couldn't help but laugh. "You want to kill me? You're still a bit green!"

"Coincidentally, I have just realized another strike!"

"Have a taste of this!"

"Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique, Third Slash!"

*Clang...*

The long sword was drawn again, and the heavenly pressure was instantly integrated into this strike. This time, the sky seemed to be truly split in two; one could clearly see a ravine appear in mid-air.

A straight line, connecting heaven and earth.

Jiang Ming suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

This strike completely exceeded his expectations. It held great terror.

Without a second thought, he unleashed his strongest sword attack.

"Jue Xian, God-Extinguishing Strike!"

He unleashed everything he had in this strike.

Using space as the frame, the extreme point as the edge, containing the mysteries of life and death, the cycle of Yin and Yang, supported by the world, empowered by the vast blood energy like rivers and seas, and guided by the power of his soul.

Soul, energy, and body—the three methods merged, and numerous artistic conceptions fused, allowing this strike to bloom with peerless sharpness.

This strike was powerful to the extreme.

Brilliant in its radiance, it could slay gods and destroy immortals, yet it still could not block Holy Lord Qiye’s strike. He was sent flying, crashing into the mountain peak behind him.

The erupting sword energy tore the mountaintop apart, sending rocks tumbling down.

Yan Chixia and the others were pushed to the edge of the peak, almost falling over. Their faces were filled with shock. Whether it was Holy Lord Qiye’s strike or Jiang Ming’s defense, both had far exceeded their understanding.

*Whoosh...*

At this moment, Jiang Ming recoiled and landed back on the spot where he had stood. He was uninjured.

"What a terrifying strike!" Jiang Ming exclaimed. "Actually integrating the heavenly might into a single strike, with extreme sharpness that can break all constraints. Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique—what a magnificent 'Heaven-Slaying', what a magnificent 'Sword Drawing'!"

He marveled repeatedly.

"Yet you were still able to block it!" Holy Lord Qiye’s brow furrowed deeper. "While this was not my strongest strike, it overlooks the Nine Provinces of this world; few can compare to it. Even against those at my own level, I am confident of inflicting severe wounds. I did not expect you to block it."

"Each generation produces new talents; the new replaces the old. Seeing you, I feel I am getting old." He sighed in wonder. "Brother Jiang, let us discuss the Dao of the sword another day when we meet. Farewell!"

As his voice faded, he mounted his white horse and rode off into the air. It was incredibly graceful and decisive.

"A world that is not quite what it seems. Holy Lord Qiye is a decent man; will he really fall into demonic ways later?" Jiang Ming thought, looking at Yan Chixia, and couldn't help but ask, "Brother Yan, do you know someone named Sima Sanniang?"

"Sima Sanniang?" Yan Chixia, who had walked over, thought for a moment and shook his head. "I don't know her!"

"What about Yan Hongye?"

"Don't know her either!"

With each question and answer, Jiang Ming’s expression grew stranger.

Holy Lord Qiye exists, yet there is no Yan Hongye, who should be Yan Chixia’s daughter.

Forget it. It is a chaotic world, after all. There is no telling how messy things have become here.

Yan Chixia was puzzled but didn't ask further, only laughing: "If not for you, we would likely have perished here today. Thank you!"

"Brother Jian Chen, Miss Ye, thank you as well!" he said, cupping his hands toward the others.

"We are human, and Black Mountain is a demon. Seeing it, we naturally had to act. It's nothing!" Jiang Ming tossed the Xuanyuan Sword over. The sword had a great reputation, but beyond its sturdiness, it lacked any special qualities, far removed from the legendary divine artifact.

"Brother Jiang is right; we couldn't just stand by," Jian Chen said, his aura righteous and upright. Jiang Ming knew, however, that this guy lacked hardship and his character was too unstable. But his nature was still decent.

"Vanquishing demons and eliminating devils is only one's duty!" Ye Hongyu said, looking at Jiang Ming. "I wonder where Brother Jiang is headed next?"

"Wherever the wind takes me!" Jiang Ming said. "How did you all come to be here?"

"I have been contending with the Tree Demon Granny for a long time. I came to try to slay her again, not expecting so many things to happen." Yan Chixia sighed, then said with excitement, "Fortunately you appeared; not only was the Tree Demon Granny killed, but the Black Mountain Old Demon was also wiped out. From now on, the Great Song will have one less scourge."

"I encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation, so I have been traveling the world seeking a chance for a breakthrough. After arriving in the Great Song, I found many demons here, so I kept roaming these parts. Today I met Jian Chen, and we traveled together. Tonight, sensing the battle, we rushed over," Ye Hongyu explained simply. "It is fortunate we came; otherwise, how would I have met Brother Jiang and seen such a magnificent duel of swords? Brother Jiang's sword path can compare to Holy Lord Qiye's, which means it is definitely no weaker than the Academy's Second Senior Brother Jun Mo, or the Sword Saint Liu Bai. It could also compare to the Martial Arts Myth Nameless of the Great Wu Province, or the old Sword Saint over there."

"I am far behind!" Jiang Ming shook his head.

"If you had the same level of cultivation as them..." Ye Hongyu couldn't help but gasp.

"If you were at their level, that would be defying the heavens!" Yan Chixia also marveled.

"I am also traveling the world to temper my cultivation." The one most shocked was actually Jian Chen. "My master realized the Heaven Sword intent—one strike, and ten thousand swords bow in allegiance. I thought only he possessed this in the world, but I didn't expect Brother Jiang to be so stunningly talented, with a heaven-defying sword path. If my master were to see this, he would be overjoyed."

His master was a martial arts myth, with a peerless sword path. He had once commented on the world’s sword masters, and few could compare to him: Dugu Qiubai of the Great Song, Holy Lord Qiye; Jun Mo of the Academy in the Great Tang, and Sword Saint Liu Bai; Ye Su was a step behind. There was also the old Sword God of Great Li, and Wang Xianzhi. The old Sword Saint of the Great Wu Province, the Martial Arts Myth Nameless. The Wine Sword Immortal of the Great Desolate Province. And so on.

There really weren't many. Now, another one had appeared, and he was so young. He looked even younger than Jian Chen himself. Even though Jian Chen believed the man was far from being a match for his master.

While they spoke, they returned to Lanruo Temple. Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian were still trembling. The battle to the north had nearly scared them to death. It was too terrifying. Sword energy soared, the night sky was split open; it was horrific.

Seeing Jiang Ming and the others return, Ning Caichen was overjoyed: "It's so good you're back!"

"You foolish scholar, daring to walk the wild mountains and forests alone—I must say, you are lucky to be alive!" Yan Chixia said, shaking his head as he looked at the man.

"The Master does not speak of strange phenomena and chaos..." Ning Caichen’s voice grew quieter.

"The young lady beside you is a ghost. What do you plan to do?" Jiang Ming asked with a smile. Ye Hongyu also looked on with curiosity.

Ning Caichen opened his mouth and scratched his head.

Nie Xiaoqian walked tremblingly before the group and bowed: "This young woman was the daughter of an official, but was killed by mountain bandits. I know not why I became a wandering ghost, and was later captured by the Tree Demon Granny to be her servant. I swear, I have never actively done evil."

Never actively? Then there was passive evil. Jiang Ming and the others naturally understood this, but they didn't care.

"What are your plans for the future?" Jiang Ming looked at Nie Xiaoqian.

"I do not know!" Nie Xiaoqian looked lost.

"If, if, I, I..." Ning Caichen hesitated, conflicted, wavering, and filled with a trace of unease.

"Since you wish to be together, then follow him; let her tend to your sleeves with fragrance and accompany you as you strive for honors," Jiang Ming said with a smile. A thought occurred to him. "Meeting is fate. I will seal your ghostly body so you may walk in the daylight, unseen by outsiders. But remember, do not bring harm!"

After a moment of thought, the intent of life and death flowed, and the Dao rhythm of light and darkness appeared. With a flick of his finger, he performed the Light and Dark Daluo Realm, fused with the power of life and death, and placed a seal upon Nie Xiaoqian.

It was a success! Good, very good! Jiang Ming was satisfied.

Nie Xiaoqian’s body suddenly became solid.

"Thank you, benefactor!" Nie Xiaoqian felt the change in her body and was overjoyed. "From now on, I will surely protect Master Ning well."

"I hope Master Ning does not abandon me!" She looked at Ning Caichen, feeling a bit shy.

"I will not abandon you, I will not!" Ning Caichen promised hurriedly.

The three of them smiled. They lit a bonfire and sat in a circle. They hunted a wild deer, and Ning Caichen busied himself with the roasting.

"I have just come out of the mountains and know little of the outside world. Miss Ye, I hear you have a prestigious background—could you tell me about the current state of the world?" Jiang Ming asked.

Just come out of the mountains? Even Jian Chen didn't believe this, let alone Yan Chixia and Ye Hongyu. But no one said it aloud, though they all wondered: what was this man's background? Had he truly been in seclusion all this time, or did he come from overseas? There was no way to know.

"The current world? How to put it?" Ye Hongyu pondered. "Since the heaven and earth changed a hundred years ago and the Nine Provinces converged, it has foretold that a great chaos that will sweep across the entire world is inevitable."