Chapter 008: The Changing Clouds

The seven major sects are "Chongyun Sect, Baicao Palace, Qingming Sword Pavilion, Jiuxuan Palace, Tianshan Yujue Peak, Sanqing Daojun Hall, and Lingbi Sword Sect". The three distinct sects are "Lianhuo Cult, Jiuzhou Pile Hall, and Mechanism Sect"

Senior brother, take this! The young girl dressed in a snow-white corseted gown leaped forward with her sword, her agile sword energy dancing with the wind, as if performing a dance

Over the course of ten years, various sects have taken turns in prominence, with one flourishing while another dominates a region, leading to incessant turmoil and entanglements. Within the sects themselves, there has been a constant cycle of change and renewal. Gradually, a new landscape has emerged, dominated by seven major cultivation sects and three significant offshoots.

Zhu Yun Cang shook his head and said, "I have only learned the techniques of the Nine Mysterious Palace, with no involvement in any unorthodox practices. Over the years, I have stayed within the Nine Mysterious Palace, and my trips down the mountain have been few and far between. You are quite familiar with my every move."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Ling Yu waved his hand and said, "Those who cultivate the Dao absorb the essence of the heavens and the earth, diminishing the excess and replenishing the deficiency. Their bodies are most harmonized in yin and yang, balanced in the five elements. How can there be any reason for aging prematurely? The sect master is nearly a hundred years old, yet there is no sign of aging on him. Clearly, it is your lack of dedication and your indecisiveness that have led you to such a conclusion"

The clouds are white and the dogs are gray, the stars and frost change, the things remain the same but the people have changed

Such days have passed in the blink of an eye, lasting for ten years

"Yes, yes, yes, Master Brother. Junior Sister." Dao Zhi cupped his hands and said, "I am honored."

"Sword Heart Profound Formula!" Ling Yu suddenly called out in a low voice, and then he formed a seal and recited an incantation. Instantly, the sword body was enveloped in a series of transparent and slightly dark blue halos. This technique is one of the internal power methods that must be cultivated during the Harmonization Stage of the Nine Profound Palace. Once the incantation is cast, the true energy within the body will merge with the sword in hand, greatly enhancing the sword's power.

The leader of the Fire Refining Sect, Li Tianjin, was severely injured and fell victim to a peculiar poison administered by the renowned herbalist Duanmu. He lost his sight and, upon returning to the sect, secluded himself. Six months later, the second elder of the Fire Refining Sect, Shi Yan, instigated a rebellion and usurped the position of sect leader. Throughout this incident, Li Tianjin did not make an appearance, leading many to speculate that he had long since succumbed to the poison.

Zhu Yun Cang smiled and said: "Senior Brother, forgive me for speaking frankly, your internal energy is unstable. Just now, your reckless intent to kill has led to a disruption of the balance between yin and yang. When encountering someone whose internal true energy is stable and spiritual power is calm, the force you emit will naturally harm yourself... Although I do not fully understand this principle, but..."

Zhu Yun Cang slowly accepted the sword, curled his lips, and said: "Senior brother... haven't I repeatedly said that we should not compare swords among fellow disciples?"

Ah! Senior Brother! Cai Yao seems to want to catch up, but Ling Yu completely ignores her intention

With a resounding clash, Ling Yu and Zhu Yun Cang's swords were already locked together

"Dao Zhi, you are truly unaware of the gravity of the situation. Look at you now; you hardly resemble a practitioner of the Dao!" Ling Yu assessed Dao Zhi with disdain.

I apologize, I truly apologize... I am just so exhausted. Having stayed here for so many years, I have hardly had a good night's sleep, and I am on the verge of aging prematurely!

You! "" Ling Yu shook his sword and interrupted sharply, "I have invited you to duel three or four times, yet you always make excuses. Do you look down on me?"

He straightened up, standing at a height comparable to Ling Yu, and was even slightly taller.

Alright. The young man smiled faintly, "Junior sister, practice your swordsmanship by yourself. You have been training this set of sword techniques for so many days, yet there has been no progress. If Master finds out, it will not reflect well."

"Listen to your junior sister, no more fighting!" Zhu Yun Cang said again

The young man found it somewhat difficult to resist the innocent and carefree girl, but just at that moment, a sudden sound of a branch breaking echoed.

Ling Yu let out a cold laugh and said, "Are you afraid, Dao Zhi? Competing in swordsmanship among fellow disciples is a perfectly normal affair, beneficial for the advancement of our sword techniques. Why not embrace it?" After saying this, he slashed horizontally with his sword. Zhu Yun Cang bent down to carry his sword, and Ling Yu's sword grazed Zhu Yun Cang's sword, igniting countless sparks.

Dao shrugged and said, "I, old Zhu, am not diligent in my studies, being both lazy and gluttonous. How can I compare to the cultivation of my senior and junior brothers and sisters? It is a lesson! A lesson!"

Ding

"You shut up!" It seems that Ling Yu's dignity as the senior brother has been greatly challenged

Hmph, how boring m.hetushu.com! Suddenly, Ling Yu flicked his sleeve, sheathed his sword behind his back, and turned to leave

Dao Zhi rolled his eyes and said, "Isn't this to align with Senior Brother's teachings?"

Ding!

Jiuxuan Palace, in front of the Hall of the Supreme True Lord, Sword Dance Terrace

I know, I know, Master Brother, you don't need to educate me; I will just work hard! A smile blossomed on the girl's face, as if even being scolded brought her joy. The girl was delicate and refined in appearance, with a pair of exceptionally lively eyes. Although still somewhat immature, her pure, water-like innocence and uncontainable vitality made her very endearing.

Master Brother, I have said that I will not compete in swordsmanship

Dao Zhi slightly adjusted his clothing, but the crown on his head seemed impossible to find. His disheveled hair cascaded like a waterfall, obscuring half of his face, making his handsome features appear even more wild and unruly. The contours of his facial features were distinct and well-proportioned, exuding seven parts heroism and three parts untamed spirit. His physique resembled a galloping stallion on the prairie, untamed and unbridled by anyone.

"Senior brother, you are bullying me!" The young girl stood her ground, looking at the young man with reproach, and said, "You know very well that my swordsmanship is poor, yet you still won't go easy on me."

Cai Yao ultimately did not catch up with her senior brother, but could only glare angrily at Dao Zhi—Zhu Yun Cang: "Hmph, you scoundrel! Here I am practicing swordsmanship with my senior brother, and you just had to fall from the tree for no good reason? I think you did it on purpose!"

Here lie countless souls, their bodies decaying beneath the soil, neglected by all. Many people do not even know how vast the outside world is, nor the unimaginable splendor it holds.

"How could I not submit... Senior Brother, you..." Just as Zhu Yuncong was about to speak, he suddenly felt a strong wind pressing down on his shoulder. Instinctively, he sidestepped, but unexpectedly, a flash of light shot up from the ground. Zhu Yuncong hurriedly raised his sword to block it.

Not so ... ...

Although it is a competition, this sword is imbued with a murderous intent, as if it has never considered giving Zhu Yun Cang a chance to survive

"Take this!" Ling Yu did not seem to expect Zhu Yun Cang's response, and once again launched a thrust with his sword, the tip aimed directly at Zhu Yun Cang's throat. Zhu Yun Cang raised his sword to block, the blade perfectly intercepting the incoming strike. In an instant, a powerful force erupted, sending Ling Yu staggering back several steps.

"Enough of the nonsense, aren't you unconvinced? Let's see the truth under the fists and feet!" Ling Yu said. Although he appeared gentle and refined, his temperament was extremely impatient, competitive, and unwilling to yield. At this moment, an uncontrollable killing intent surged in his expression, while Zhu Yun Cang's demeanor only reflected difficulty.

You ... ... " Ling Yu stared wide-eyed, gazing blankly at Zhu Yun Cang

Zhu Yun Cang stood to the side, watching Ling Yu's figure fade away, his expression somewhat complex

"Alright, alright, Senior Brother, don't go..." The young girl said to the young man, "Just come and give me some guidance."

Stop hitting each other!" Cai Yao exclaimed in panic

The young boy sidestepped, gently tapping the girl on her back, and then quickly retreated.

The leader of the Qingming Sword Pavilion, Dongfang Xiao, though not severely injured, returned to the sect after a large number of his disciples had perished unjustly. Filled with resentment, he announced to the world that one day, the Qingming Sword Pavilion would eradicate all members of the other three major sects. From now on, the sect's actions would be guided by the principle of revenge

As Zhu Yuncong evaded, his body was almost pressed against the soaring Ling Yu.

The Hongmeng Valley remains the same as it was in the past, yet the Bailing Tribe has long since ceased to exist. The desiccated bones at the foot of the cliff are left unattended, ultimately becoming a feast for night crows, coyotes, and other malevolent creatures. Mountain spirits and demons run rampant, while phantoms and monsters wail incessantly, as time progresses amidst the bitter winds and relentless rain

However, Duanmu Yaoxian of the Baicao Palace on Shennong Peak became the greatest beneficiary. Although he was also severely injured, due to the effect of the Emperor Yan Shennong's Jade Purity Bottle, he absorbed a significant amount of spiritual power from Ling Yunzi and Li Tianjin's magical techniques and treasures on the battlefield. After returning to the sect, he practiced in seclusion for several days and unexpectedly broke through to the Transformation Realm, becoming the first master in the world to refine poison to the Concentration Realm, which in turn made the Baicao Palace increasingly powerful

"Call me Daofang! Call her Miaoling," Ling Yu said with a serious expression, "Within the sect, we must address each other by our Dao names."

This new pattern has brought a temporary calm to the vast world.

Senior Brother! Don't! Cai He - Tu - Book longed to hold onto Ling Yu, but it was already too late. Ling Yu soared into the air, thrusting his sword towards the fleeing Zhu Yun Cang.

You only know how to bully me! Cai Yao jumped in front of Zhu Yun Cang and said, "Don't think that just because you managed to win against the senior brother by luck, you are something special. In a while, both of you will enter the underground trial together, and at that time, who wins and who loses is still uncertain!"

Ling Yu landed and stood firm, turning around to coldly gaze at Zhu Yun Cang, who was brushing the dust off his clothes, and angrily said: "Why aren't you drawing your sword? What are you waiting for?"

"It is not merely a lack of seriousness; any reasoning that comes out of your mouth sounds like a joke, utterly foolish..." Cai Yao said, unable to suppress a laugh at this point

Then, there was a crisp metallic clang that resonated, lingering for a long time

The leader of Chongyun Sect, Lingyunzi, was killed in battle, and the elder Lingxiazi ascended to the position. A large number of dissenters declared their break from Chongyun Sect and occupied Lingbi Peak near Chongyun Sect, establishing the Lingbi Sword Sect to stand in opposition to Chongyun Sect.

The young man patted the dust off the hem of his garment, smiled faintly, and said: "A sword has no eyes, little junior sister; once you are on the battlefield, no one will give way to you"

I do not wish to compete with you, " Zhu Yun Cang said, " There are regulations within the sect that prohibit disciples from engaging in private duels. As the eldest senior brother, you should be more aware of this than I am.

Here, only the three of us are present, and no one will know of this matter! Ling Yu said, "You need not say more, draw your sword quickly!"

Zhu Yun Cang spread out his hands and said: "Am I still not serious?"

The young girl couldn't help but smile at the young man's comical appearance, while a shadow of gloom passed over the boy's forehead as he sternly said: "Disciple Dao Zhi, what are you doing? Looking so disheveled, what kind of demeanor is this?"

Alright, alright! The gentle and refined Senior Brother Ling Yu became increasingly agitated at this moment, prompting Cai Yao, who was beside him, to hastily intervene, saying, "Senior Brother, please don't be angry. What Dao Zhi said earlier was unintentional; it was merely a case of a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat, which allowed him to surpass you..." She then turned to Zhu Yun Cang and added, "Senior Brother, you really shouldn't be the one to preach about principles..."

This person possesses a handsome and fair appearance, with an air of heroism between his brows. Dressed in a bordered, fitted Daoist robe, he is entirely free of dust and dirt, as if at a young age he already exudes a hint of ethereal grace. A long sword is slung behind him, and he shows no intention of drawing it; instead, he lightly raises his right hand, adopting a posture of welcoming an adversary

Uh... Senior Ling Yu... Junior Sister Cai Yao, please forgive me for my presence. I was just resting on the tree for a while.

I was peacefully sleeping in the tree, and you and Ling Yu came running over to practice swordsmanship? Not only did you disturb my sweet dreams, but you almost caused me to fall to my death!" Zhu Yun Cang clasped his hands behind his head, rolled his eyes upward, and let out a disdainful snort.

You harbor discontent, but what of it? Ling Yu coldly stared at Dao Zhi, who is none other than Zhu Yun Cang.

Ling Yu gritted his teeth and said, "Nonsense, you and I are both practitioners in the Harmonization Stage, and it is absolutely impossible for you to use such overwhelming internal energy to... to push me away..."

In the days that followed, the four major sects, which had initially appeared friendly, engaged in protracted conflicts, and peace was no longer to be found in the world

"Stop with that nonsense." Cai Yao, standing nearby, couldn't help but push Zhi Yi and scolded, "Zhu Yun Cang, you little brat, stop pretending. Who doesn't know that among the disciples of the Dao and Miao sects, you and your senior brother have already reached the realm of 'Harmonious Qi', far surpassing us who are still slowly climbing through the Enlightenment stage. Yet here you are, standing and talking without feeling any pain!"

"What kind of cultivation technique are you practicing?" Ling Yu had already ceased his movements, but his anger had not dissipated. He shouted sternly, "This is not the technique of the Nine Mysterious Palace! What kind of sorcery are you really learning?!"

Since the battle at Hongmeng Valley among the Four Great Sects, the world, which was originally only simmering with undercurrents, has been swept by a true storm of blood and carnage

"I cannot wield a sword." Zhu Yun Cang took a step back and said, "Master of the Sect..."

A young man, dressed similarly to the boy, was seen propping his sword on the ground, bending down in a half-squat, and brushing the dust off his clothes: "Huh... I almost fell to my death, old Zhu. I will never sleep on this broken tree again... It's so narrow and small, and so fragile..."

"Senior Brother, you can't be serious, can you?" Zhu Yun Cang exclaimed in surprise, quickly stepping back

Wow! With a loud shout, a dark figure leaped down from the old tree not far away

The Earth Vein Trial ... ... '' Zhu Yun Cang's expression suddenly became somewhat serious