697 The Second Realm

Because of their excellent performance in the martial arts contest of Tao of the sword, each of the top ten warriors had an opportunity to practice in the Sword Pavilion for three months. But compared to Zhang Ruochen and Qi Feiyu, their activities would be restricted largely to the Sword Pavilion.

They did not rely on their own strength to reach the top of the Third-Level Mountain, but instead, they were led by nine Half-Saints.

Standing in the crowd, Xun Hualiu gazed in amazement at the Sword Pavilion on the top of the White Sacred Cliff and said, "I have never imagined that one day, I, Xun Hualiu, would be able to practice in the Sword Pavilion like a genius. Haha!"

"From now on, I, Mu Jiji, am a big shot, too," Mu Jiji said, arms akimbo. Laughter shook his rolls of fat.

Soon, Xun Hualiu and Mu Jiji knelt on the ground and kowtowed reverently in the direction of the Sword Pavilion, as if on a pilgrimage.

The monks around did not disdain Xun Hualiu and Mu Jiji, because in their mind, the Sword Pavilion was also an incomparably sacred place. It was a great honor to practice even once in the Sword Pavilion. Among the other monks, they were certain to dine out on it for years to come.

A current of Holy Qi poured out of the Sword Pavilion and condensed into a man in a purple robe who stood on the top of the Whitestone Sacred Cliff. The sword Qi of his body was mighty and unparalleled.

The nine Half-Saints below bowed to the man in a purple robe and said in unison, "Your disciples hereby pay their respects to the sword saint."

"Is he the legendary Moon-Burier Sword Saint?"

"Finally, I have the great fortune to meet the sword saint. If he is willing to give me some guidance, how much can I raise my Tao of the sword?"

In the disciples' eyes, Moon-burier Sword Saint was a mythical demigod. Even warriors of the Fish-Dragon Realm could not restrain their excitement at the sight of him.

"We've come to pay our respects to you, Your Excellency."

They knelt down, bowed, and saluted towards the Moon-Burier Sword Saint.

At this moment, Qi Feiyu, Qi Hong and Gai Tianjiao stepped out of the Sword Pavilion and stood together with the nine Half-Saints on the square.

"Everyone may get up!"

A deep and powerful current of Holy Qi carried the Moon-Burier Sword Saint's voice all over Third-Level Mountain.

He added, "Since everyone has come here, Qi Hong, you lead them into the Sword Pavilion. For the next three months, you will be in charge of everything in the Sword Pavilion.

"Yes, Master."

Qi Hong's eyes swept the crowd and did not find Zhang Ruochen. He smiled and bowed to the Moon-Burier Sword Saint. "Master, one month ago, I assigned tasks to Lin Yue and Qi Feiyu, as you instructed me.

"Now, the time is up. Should their strength be tested so that the stronger one can obtain the Swordsoul Hailstone?"

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint nodded and said, "That's right. But I'm afraid both of them can't comprehend the first realm of Sword Two in just a month. In my opinion, we'd better wait for another month."

Gai Tianjiao had reported about Qi Feiyu to the Moon-Burier Sword Saint.

Therefore, the Moon-burier Sword Saint was on guard against Qi Feiyu and the Qis. If the Swordsoul Hailstone had to be granted to someone, he he hoped it would be Lin Yue.

So, when he saw that Li Yue had not turned up yet, the Moon-burier Sword Saint intended to postpone the test for a month.

Qi Feiyu walked forward and stood in the center of the square. She bowed to the Moon-Burier Sword Saint and said, "Sword saint, the junior has already practiced the first realm of Sword Two."

All nine Half-Saints could not help being surprised, because most of them had not yet crossed the threshold of Sword Two.

It was astounding that a Monk in the Fish-Dragon Realm could make such great achievements in Tao of the sword.

Other geniuses were also shocked, discussing it in whispers.

"Senior Sister Apprentice Qi's talent for Tao of the sword is terrific. She has practiced not only to the completion of Sword One, but also the first realm of Sword Two."

"Junior Sister Apprentice Qi is certainly innately bright and blessed. Her talent and cultivation were second only to the first senior sister apprentice."

"Her talent for Tao of the sword has outstripped the first senior sister apprentice."

...

Qi Feiyu had impressed everyone with her simple words.

No matter how the crowd praised her, Qi Feiyu took the compliments in stride. She remained quiet and reflective, without any arrogance and fickleness. Her modest temperament made the Half-Saint Patriarchs nod repeatedly in approval.

"How could it be possible?"

Gai Tianjiao's eyes suddenly shrank into two scorching flashes.

She could not believe that Qi Feiyu had made such great achievements. She must have reached that level long ago and kept it hidden.

It was rather abnormal that Qi Feiyu had revealed such brilliant talent for Tao of the sword. No one knew what she was scheming.

If she obtained the Swordsoul Hailstone, would it be good for the Yin and Yang Sect?

Qi Hong grinned and said, "Since Qi Feiyu has practiced to the first realm of Sword Two within a month, the Swordsoul Hailstone should be awarded to her."

Gai Tianjiao took a step forward instantly and looked at Qi Hong. She said, "Sixth ElderBrother, junior fellow apprentice Lin Yue has not shown up yet. How can you know that he is worse than Junior Sister Apprentice Qi?"

Qi Hong and Gai Tianjiao were both disciples of the Moon-Burier Sword Saint and the Sword Holders of the Sword Pavilion.

Qi Hong replied, "Lin Yue hasn't turned up. Doesn't it mean he has conceded?"

"Perhaps, he has secluded himself for refining and forgotten the time," said Gai Tianjiao.

A frosty look crossed his eyes, but his face still appeared benign. He said, "Maybe he had some trouble. Everyone knows Lin Yue has made breakthroughs too quickly. His state of mind must be unstable. So, it is possible that he has gone seriously awry..."

At this moment, someone in the crowd exclaimed, "Look! Elderbrother Lin Yue is coming up!"

When Qi Hong heard the words, his countenance fell. He looked quickly to the mountain path.

Qi Feiyu also turned around. Although she had not expected Li Yue to appear, she remained unruffled.

Gai Tianjiao's face shone with delight. But when she saw Lin Yue, her face dimmed and stiffened with dismay instead.

Not only Gai Tianjiao, but all the monks present were stunned at Lin Yue's current appearance.

At this moment, Zhang Ruochen's hair was dishevelled, his eyes bloodshot, and his face pale. He looked like a dizzy lunatic, ready to fall to the ground at any time.

"He is...Lin Yue..."

Han Qiu pursed her lips, her eyes incredulous.

In her mind, Lin Yue was a Genius of Tao of the sword who was able to compare to Zhang Ruochen. How had he abandoned himself to such a disgusting condition?

Zhao Wuyan gulped and said, "What has happened to him? As Half-Saint Qi Hong has said, Lin Yue must have gone crazy from practicing too hastily."

"His practice speed is too fast, indeed. Maybe Lin Yue used some taboo occult art and it backfired on him," said one of Qi Feiyu's suitors. He snickered.

Can Dong frowned and said pitifully, "His condition shows that he is possibly spellbound with sword practice. How could he be a Genius of Tao of the sword?"

Zhang Ruochen's appearance at the moment was scary. He seemed, at first sight, to be possessed by the Devil.

Some felt sorry for him, while others were pleased to see him like this.

"My boss, what's wrong with you?"

"Boss, don't scare me like that."

Xun Hualiu and Mu Jiji were worried that Zhang Ruochen had gone the evil way, so they rushed toward him.

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint also scrutinized Lin Yue, and suddenly he seemed to discover something special. A glimmer of wonder showed in his wise eyes. He said to himself, "How could it be? Is he close to the realm in a month?"

When he noticed Xun Hualiu and Mu Jiji rush to Lin Yue, the Moon-Burier Sword Saint snapped his fingers. A light spot popped up from his fingertip and expanded into a light screen of sword Qi to wrap Lin Yue's body entirely.

"BAM! BAM!"

Xun Hualiu and Mu Jiji lost their pace and knocked on the sword Qi cover. Both of them flew back disoriented.

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint rebuked them. "Don't disturb him. He is comprehending the swordplay."

"Comprehending the swordplay?"

Qi Hong did not believe that Zhang Ruochen was really focused on swordplay comprehension, and he looked immediately at the Moon-Burier Sword Saint and said, "Master, I quite understand that you appreciate Lin Yue's gift for Tao of the sword, but I still think that he is not in good condition. He should cure himself soon. If he waits, the consequences could be unimaginable."

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint gave Qi Hong a sharp stare of dissatisfaction and said, "What does it matter if we wait for him? If an accident happens, I will take full responsibility for it."

Qi Hong broke out in a cold sweat. He closed his mouth and retreated gingerly.

He threw a glance at Lin Yue and wondered, "Is he really comprehending the swordplay and getting closer to the first realm of Sword Two? Master is quite partial to him."

Qi Feiyu was full of confidence, without a hint of fluster. Even if Zhang Ruochen had reached the first realm of Sword One, he could not threaten her. There was also distinction within the first realm.

Two hours passed quickly.

When everybody was on the edge of losing patience, Lin Yue, standing behind the light screen, raised his head, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He said with a smile, "I finally understand the profound mysteries of Sword Two."

When he opened his eyes again, the redness had disappeared.

Zhang Ruochen took out two Spiritual Crystals, sat cross-legged, and started to restore his Genuine Qi by holding a Spiritual Crystal in each hand.

Everyone waited another hour before Zhang Ruochen stood up again.

Although he seemed quite exhausted, he looked much restored, and he bowed to the Moon-Burier Sword Saint and said, "Master, thank you."

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint looked at Zhang Ruochen below, and his figure moved and appeared in front of Zhang Ruochen. He clicked his tongue and said, "Have you reached the second realm of Sword Two, 'Yin-Yang Chaos'?"

"There is no hiding from your eyes," Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.

The Moon-Burier Sword Saint's heart was shocked at what Zhang Ruochen had said.

"If Zhang Ruochen has truly practiced to the second realm of Sword Two within a month, his comprehension ability and talent for Tao of the sword are abnormally brilliant. Even the prodigious Sword Emperor might not be more outstanding than him."

Was he an evildoer?

Everyone gasped, as they could clearly hear the conversation between Zhang Ruochen and the Moon-Burier Sword Saint.