Chapter 130 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 130: Two Sword Cultivator

Chapter 130 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 130: Two Sword Cultivator

Translator: Lynn

As the black-clad man stepped forward, an aura of imposing gravity swept forth, capturing immediate attention and diverting the focus of the two individuals trailing behind him.

The youth, his hair a cascade of white, queried, “Is that Yun Lie?”

With a decisive nod, his companion responded, “He’s overseeing the disciple recruitment these days and it’s time for him to submit his report.”

Both of them were officers on the peak. The youth with a childlike visage and white hair was Yuan Taihe1His name is not Tao Yun, sorry for the mistranslation, possessing a mid-Golden Core cultivation level and ranking ninth among the Officers of Criminal Justice in Sixing Peak. The one with the resolute expression was Zeng Yi, whose cultivation reached the pinnacle of the mid-Golden Core stage, and he held a place among those overseeing criminal affairs. This duo held the sixth seat, renowned for their sword cultivation prowess.

A few days prior, news had reached them that youth at the late stage of Golden Core Formation had ascended to Sixing Peak with remarkable prowess. However, Sixing Peak abided by strict regulations, and initially, the responsibility that Yun Lie had assumed was overseen by the third-ranked Sixing.

In discussing Sixing Peak’s hierarchical structure, it’s worth noting its many tiers. Leaving aside the head of the punishment hall and the elder council members, the authority of punishment was distributed among forty-nine officials, all of whom were Golden Core stage monks. They were categorized into three classes.

The first class encompassed four individuals at the late stage of the Golden Core level. The second class comprised nine members at the middle stage of the Golden Core, while the third class included thirty-six individuals at the early stage of the Golden Core.

Even among the residents of Sixing Peak, not all of them practiced swordsmanship, and the higher one’s rank, the less frequent their intervention. Consequently, the most active participants were the thirty-six individuals occupying the third class.

Yuan Taihe and Zeng Yi belonged to the second tier. On ordinary days, they would only act when confronted with particularly complex cases or difficult matters. As such, they hadn’t had the opportunity to witness Yun Lie’s abilities firsthand.

Each was a prodigy in their own right, and Sixing Peak harbored a cohort of skilled sword cultivators. Learning that someone had mastered an invincible sword technique naturally piqued their interest. How could such news not reach Yun Lie’s ears?

However, most criminal officers led solitary lives, engrossed in personal cultivation and tasks. Interactions were a rarity. Although many were present when Yun Lie joined the Sixing Peak, that encounter could hardly be considered a true meeting. In terms of substantial contact, there had been little to none.

Having chanced upon this encounter, it was only natural for them to show heightened interest.

However, what piqued Yuan Taihe’s curiosity even more was that upon his emergence, Yun Lie didn’t spare a glance for the two living individuals; instead, he devoted his full attention to the figure under the tree, a person who might be either dead or alive—an oddity.

Word had it that this individual practiced the merciless art of the killing sword. Could it be that someone immersed in such a ruthless path also possessed concern?

Contemplating this, Yuan Taihe’s interest in exchanging pleasantries waned, prompting him to tug Zeng Yi aside, allowing the pair to stand at a distance.

Inquisitive, Zeng Yi queried, “What’s going on?”

Yuan Taihe, with a grin, replied, “Did you catch that?”

Acquainted with Yuan Taihe’s temperament after years of interaction, Zeng Yi knew better than to reply and simply observed as his companion continued watching.

Together, they witnessed Yun Lie step a few paces forward, halting about five or six steps away from the youth in the verdant shirt. And there, Yun Lie stood resolute and unyielding.

A chuckle escaped Yuan Taihe’s lips, “Is he acting as a guardian?”

Zeng Yi nodded in agreement, “Yun Lie doesn’t seem to match the rumors...” He frowned contemplatively, “... does he have hidden connections?”

Yuan Taihe’s grin broadened, “I’ve got my contacts.”

From their vantage point, they watched as the individual under the tree teetered on the brink of extreme duress.

Yuan Taihe shook his head, “I thought I could finally deal with Yun Lie this time, see who he really is. But this guy, he’s acting like this... it’s like...”

Words seemed to fail him, so he trailed off with a smile.

Zeng Yi remarked, “It’s clear this person isn’t easy to approach. If we’re planning to compete, there’s no need to rush it.”

Yuan Taihe glanced at him, asking, “Don’t you want to compete with him?”

Zeng Yi responded calmly, “When the Sect Competition is held, I will have a chance to challenge him as a Golden Core Cultivator.”

Yuan Taihe considered this and suggested, “In that case, let’s quickly complete our current task.”

With their conversation concluded, they directed the black dragon in the opposite direction, making their way toward the entrance of the punishment hall.

The several hefty figures surrounded by the black dragon bore no discernible wounds, though they were all unconscious – a state likely induced by some unknown means.

Walking behind Yun Lie, Xu Ziqing was well aware of his mistake and engaged in a silent introspection.

Leading the way, Yun Lie’s gaze was fixed not on Xiaolu Peak, but on Xiaozhu Peak.

Initially surprised, Xu Ziqing soon found a glimmer of anticipation in his heart.

It had been two weeks since his entry into Wuling Immortal Gate, and his days were occupied with rigorous sword practice alongside his shixiong, leaving him little time to meet his master.

Despite Master Qiu He’s distinct constitution that prevented direct, basic instruction for Xu Ziqing, his commitment as a master was undeniable. His efforts on Xu Ziqing’s behalf were noteworthy.

Consequently, Xu Ziqing held profound respect for his master and even nurtured a sense of longing.

Upon their arrival at Xiaozhu Peak, Yun Lie’s sweeping sleeve triggered the activation of the mountain-guarding formation.

In a flash of golden and green light, they descended upon the mountainside.

Xiaozhu Peak boasted captivating scenery, with its mountainside arguably the most enchanting part.

A group of seven or eight women had been engaged in spellcasting and sword dance practices when they abruptly sensed a chill – the familiar sensation kindling their excitement.

One girl’s gaze lifted and locked onto the distant, icy figure of the man in black. In an instant, her complexion paled as she cried out, “Shixiong is here!” The remaining girls, equally delicate and cautious, aligned themselves on either side, standing in deference, one hand and one foot forward, offering unified greetings, “Shi, shixiong...”

Yun Lie advanced without uttering a word.

Xu Ziqing, a bit stunned, hurriedly followed, managing a sidelong glance left and right before warmly stating, “There’s no need to announce my presence. I can come in with shixiong, he said, his voice conveying a gentle tone.

A bolder one among the group lifted her head, noting that the senior brother had moved away while the new second senior brother remained, comforting them. At last, she mustered a smile and said, “Indeed, thank you, Second Shixiong.”

Numerous women approached, echoing in unison, “Thank you, Second Shixiong!” In an instant, it seemed they were about to swarm him.

This time, Xu Ziqing was caught off-guard. After offering a few hurried acknowledgments, he hastened to follow Yun Lie.

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