Chapter 7: The Eight Great Disciples (Part One)

"What is it, Xuan Yi?" Rong Cheng, the only female disciple of the sect leader, who was personally discovered by him, is usually very cherished, thus her tone of speech is extremely gentle.

"Come in," the sect leader spoke, lightly furrowing his brows

The sound of footsteps approached quickly as Rong Chenghua fell to her knees gracefully

In those years, there was a heavenly omen, with eight swords gathering together to cleanse the demonic realm. The eight swords exist, but they are not the sword masters; no matter how extraordinary their powers, they cannot draw forth the divine swords. Neither heavenly thunder nor earthly fire, nor divine strength nor ghostly resentment can harm the divine swords in the slightest. Senior brother, over all these years, how many demons and monsters have attempted to seize or destroy the swords? Has there ever been a single success? Each time, they only end up injuring themselves and retreating!

Senior Brother has devoted himself tirelessly to finding the eight Sword Masters to take as disciples in order to elevate our Heavenly Sect, and everyone is aware of the hardships he has endured. By chance and with the mercy of heaven, Senior Brother has managed to take in seven disciples in just two hundred years, and they are indeed the Seven Sword Masters. However, the eighth sword has yet to appear. Without all eight swords, the seven swords are merely ordinary tools. Now that a rare opportunity has finally arisen, why does Senior Brother hesitate? Senior Brother, this opportunity must not be missed; it will not come again!" He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, eventually bowing his head to the ground, clearly moved to the point of sorrow. Without all eight swords, the seven swords are merely ordinary tools. Now that a rare opportunity has finally arisen, why does Senior Brother hesitate? Senior Brother, this opportunity must not be missed; it will not come again!" He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, eventually bowing his head to the ground, clearly moved to the point of sorrow.

"Yes, right on my backside." The insect was infuriated by their interrogation and replied in a harsh tone, thinking to herself that she merely wanted to enjoy a free stay on the mountain for a while. Was such scrutiny really necessary? Moreover, regardless of whether it was unintentional, she had saved someone they had nurtured for many years. Given this favor, they should treat her well for a lifetime.

Mo Wu hurriedly asked, "Xuan Yi, why do you say that?"

The five individuals exchanged glances, uncertain about what important matter could have prompted the usually well-behaved Xuan Yi to disturb their deliberations

"What if she is..." The leader spoke halfway, but the others had already understood what he meant. The insects descended from the air, and although they trusted Old Hei, the demonic sect had been gaining momentum recently, and one could never be sure of what kind of sorcery or evil arts they might employ

However, they were only pleased for these seventy years. In the following hundred years, no one was able to draw the Evil-Repelling Sword. Now, facing this strangely appearing woman, their hearts warmed and then cooled, cooled and then warmed again. They wished to take her as a disciple, yet feared that this was ultimately a trap, a scheme arranged by someone with ill intentions. After all, when success is just within reach, it is the easiest time for people to make mistakes

I also believe that this girl is your destined disciple, Senior Brother. " Cang Qiong interjected, "The sword is drawn and returned, which must be due to the sword master being weak and unable to wield the divine weapon. However, as long as she is the rightful owner, with your careful guidance and cultivation, she may well become a talent. But if you hesitate and allow her to be taken away by someone with ulterior motives, our Tianmen Sect will suffer greatly. In fact, have you considered that those demons and monsters do not need to destroy the sword? They only need to capture or kill one of the eight disciples, imprison their soul to prevent reincarnation, or simply obliterate the sword master, and with the eight swords not united, what use would it be?

The sky watched for a while, then suddenly erupted into a burst of laughter, attracting the disdainful flying daggers of the sect leader, each striking at his heart.

The sound of footsteps echoed nearby, like a lamb awaiting slaughter, as the insect, sitting among the five great masters and devoid of any voice, lifted its head. Before it could discern who was approaching, its wrist was grasped by several long, warm fingers. A voice, unfamiliar yet close, emerged—it was the previously silent Uncle Bei Shishu Taohua.

"Master, Miss Yao—Chongchong, she might indeed be my seventh junior sister." This statement was like throwing a ball of fire into the cold and empty great hall, instantly igniting the eyebrows of the five elders.

The disciple understands the significance of this matter and, in a state of half-belief, does not dare to speak recklessly. Just now, Master Dong asked us to leave the main hall. After discussing among ourselves, the six of us compared our tattoos before we dared to come and report.

"Mo Wu, rise, for I have my own considerations for you," the sect leader sighed, walked over to help Mo Wu up, and said softly, "Although this woman has drawn the Evil-Repelling Sword, the sword is ultimately drawn and returned. It is a matter of great caution to accept her as a disciple of the Eight Swords. Each of the seven disciples from back then underwent countless trials and investigations. I understand your urgency, but this is a significant matter, and this woman has an unknown background. I must think carefully before proceeding."

Mo Wu saw her face filled with anger, resembling a small cat about to be attacked, its fur bristling with rage. He thought she was upset that they did not believe her, and hurriedly explained the reasons for their caution. Meanwhile, Chong Chong simply shook her head, indicating that she would not show it, while Rong Chenghua fell silent, her face flushed.

Can he really distinguish between good and bad people just by feeling their pulse? Who says that handsome men are not deserving of a beating? This one before me is a perfect example! Chongchong really wants to jump up and give this handsome senior a good punch, but considering his own strength and status, he can only keep a mental note of it.

"Then why didn't you say it earlier?" Tao Hua reproached.

As the crowd dispersed, Master Mo Wu of the Southern Sect suddenly approached the Sect Leader, kneeling on one knee. With a tone that was somewhat excited and choked with emotion, he said: "Sect Leader, ever since our sect encountered great calamity over two hundred years ago, all the masters have vanished without a trace, and we were nearly exterminated, leaving us brothers with fewer than ten. For so many years, we have worked diligently and painstakingly to restore some vitality to the Tianmen Sect, but to be honest, our sect's strength is far inferior to that of the Lifo Temple on Pingning Mountain in the ancestral continent and the Hidden Stream on Wuying Island in Yingzhou. What has allowed our sect, with its feeble strength, to hold the reins of righteousness in the world? Is it not because of these eight ancient divine swords hidden in the Sword Concealing Stone at the foot of Yunmeng Mountain? For so many years, we have worked diligently and painstakingly to restore some vitality to the Tianmen Sect, but to be honest, our sect's strength is far inferior to that of the Lifo Temple on Pingning Mountain in the ancestral continent and the Hidden Stream on Wuying Island in Yingzhou. What has allowed our sect, with its feeble strength, to hold the reins of righteousness in the world? Is it not because of these eight ancient divine swords hidden in the Sword Concealing Stone at the foot of Yunmeng Mountain?

They looked down at the insect, their eyes revealing all their doubts, suspicions, and tests, nearly overwhelming the seated insect

"Senior brother, I believe that Cang Qiong makes a valid point. Since this young lady Yao is able to draw out the Quexie Sword, even if she is not the rightful owner, she is not far from it. Why not take her as a disciple first, and then act accordingly in the future?" Dao Lang said.

Correction! Correction! This refined and cultured master uncle is not good; he actually said he would temporarily accept her? Is there a trial period for immortals? This is outrageous; what if she is not the real deal? Wouldn't that be like unloading the millstone after the donkey has served its purpose? However, accepting her for now is fine; perhaps she has already stirred up this batch of sword immortals! What is so great about immortals? If she is unhappy, this lady can just throw down her tools and quit!

Rong Chenghua nodded slightly and said: "When I was helping Miss Chongchong change clothes, I saw it with my own eyes. It was a peach-red mark, exactly the same as the one on my body."

Is what he said true? The leader still wore a stern expression.

The disciples of the sect leader must be the masters of the divine sword; this was a regulation established by the five of them when they sought to revitalize the Heavenly Gate Sect. Their purpose was to allow the sect leader to focus on finding the sword master, and thereafter to nurture them with care, while the other four took on the majority of the responsibilities for recruiting and instructing the new young disciples.

Everyone's eyes are only focused on these eight ancient divine swords, blinded by a single leaf, unable to see Mount Tai. Fortunately, they first thought of the firmament, and they can immediately consider how to protect these eight sword disciples. The first seven disciples accepted by the sect leader have very shallow cultivation, and the upcoming eighth disciple is a mere mortal with no understanding of any Daoist arts, and it seems that they lack talent as well. The Tianmen Sect still has a long way to go!

Does she have?'' Dao Lang took a step forward, and the usually gentle and refined person was so anxious that he almost picked up the bug on the spot, his hands awkwardly suspended in mid-air.

Tell me more

Is it true? Is it true? As soon as the news about the special tattoo on the little bug was revealed, Mo Wu was more excited than anyone else. He turned to the sect leader and said: "Senior brother, if it is confirmed that this little bug indeed has a tattoo, it would prove that she is your seventh disciple, right? Little girl, where is the tattoo? I want to see it"

In this regard, her favor is indeed significant, for if these young disciples were to be ruined by Hua Sihai, these old fellows would have to start all over again; otherwise, the Tianmen Sect would face inevitable decline.

Every ten years, they recruit a group of disciples, from which they select talented individuals, dedicating themselves to their training and education, with the hope that these disciples will grow and enable the Tianmen Sect to rise again. Unexpectedly, a miraculous fortune has befallen them; among the disciples recruited in the first seven instances, there is always one who can draw forth a divine sword, bringing their seemingly difficult mission gradually closer to realization

What should we do? They are thinking, and the insects are thinking as well. At this moment, a woman's clear voice rang out, "Xuan Yi requests an audience with the master and all the uncles."

This woman is unruly, quirky, and full of schemes and tricks. Tao Hua exclaimed loudly, as if afraid others would not hear, "However, her nature is pure and kind, so she should not be a person of the demonic path." He closed his eyes, pressing on the pulse point of the insect, wearing an expression that suggested the secrets of heaven should not be revealed

"Master and Uncle Master, do you remember when our seven disciples were chosen by the Master back in the day? Not only could we each draw our own divine swords, but each of us also had a peculiar tattoo that we were born with. Do you remember?"

The insect sat on the ground, pressing the sign beneath its bottom, watching Master Nan Shushu Mo Wu with a vigilant gaze, thinking that such a place was not something to be shown casually. Although she was a person from the twenty-first century, she had not yet become so open-minded.

As she contemplated this, the others were filled with trepidation, drenched in cold sweat. Those who sought to seize the sword, destroy it, or protect it—so many from both the righteous and the wicked paths—none had ever considered this simple truth. Moreover, no one realized that the sword master required protection even more than the sword itself. The divine sword is an indestructible artifact; excessive attacks on it would result in backlash. However, the sword master is human, the most vulnerable and the one least capable of protecting themselves.

These words pierced like a thorn, instantly embedding themselves in everyone's hearts, even causing the little bug to break out in a cold sweat. How could she be so unfortunate? Clearly, she did not wish to get involved in anything, yet she was made the center of various conflicts. This was true in her world, and it remained the same in the world of the Sword Immortals. Was she destined to be a jinx? Hmph, if she were to cultivate immortality, she would practice with a rotten egg and a pile of dog feces. Anyone who provoked her would not be treated kindly.

Her tattoo must be in a place that cannot be seen by men, perhaps right on her buttocks. Am I right, little girl

The reason why the Heavenly Gate Sect, with its hundreds of members, could not stop a single demon was not due to the inadequacy of the righteous path, but because they lost all their core strength in a mysterious event many years ago. It was as if a great tree had been cut down at its roots; although it had not died, it had to cultivate new branches from the roots until they grew into towering trees.

But is this possible? The ancient divine sword chooses its own master, and it does not reveal itself to anyone who is not its chosen master

"Cang Qiong, your matters are still unresolved, yet you come up with more chaotic ideas." Since only their fellow disciples and the insect remained in the hall, the sect leader spoke casually and without courtesy, "I will scrutinize you more closely later. Since you have so many clever tricks, why don't you deal with the wine worm in your belly?"

Master, originally I should not interrupt the discussions among you and the other masters, but I have important information to report.