Over the past month, many pieces of news, such as which Prodigy made a splash, where new treasures appeared, and what new developments the Sect had, were all conveyed to Han Xuanji by Sword Without Dust, Su Ming, and Jiang Yuan, who occasionally came to Myriad Phenomena Garden to visit, like storytellers.
As for Han Xuanji himself, in this month, under the pretext of observing the Trial Sword Assembly, he toured various areas of the Sword Lineage and quietly completed dozens of check-ins.
Six-star check-in location 'Nine Heavens Sword Tomb', obtained ten top-grade Immortal Swords.
Six-star check-in location 'Enlightenment Sword Ancient Stele', obtained the Cultivation Technique "Immortal Slaying Sword Art".
… …
Numerous Cultivation resources coupled with top-tier Sword Dao Cultivation Techniques.
He reaped abundant rewards, enough to make any Sword Cultivator envious.
However, what surprised Han Xuanji the most was a special attribute obtained from a check-in at an inconspicuous ruin.
This place was a seven-star check-in location, and although he could only check in once, the reward was extraordinary.
[Sword Dao Leader: From the moment you grasp a sword, you are the Sword Dao Leader. In the path of the Sword Dao, you possess extraordinary Comprehension Ability, and to a certain extent, you can subtly influence the Sword Hearts of surrounding Sword Cultivators, causing them to feel admiration, trust, and even a desire to follow you.]
With this attribute, Han Xuanji felt as if he held the world in his hand when he grasped his sword, and his understanding of "Supreme Heaven Sword Dao" suddenly accelerated significantly.
However, it was still very difficult to Master the Immortal King's "Reincarnation Sword Dao". Comprehending the Dao of Reincarnation required going to the legendary land of Reincarnation, the Underworld Sea.
The Underworld Sea is an extremely dangerous place, and there is also the possibility of encountering powerful members of the Demon Race.
Han Xuanji did not want to lose his life because of Cultivating this Sword Dao.
This day.
Naturally, and with daily Cultivation using the vast Spiritual Qi of Myriad Phenomena Garden and Medicinal Pills obtained from the System's check-ins, his Cultivation finally Broke through again, stepping into the Heavenly Immortal Fifth Realm in one go.
When Han Xuanji emerged from seclusion, it also happened to be when Sword Without Dust came to bid farewell.
At the entrance of Myriad Phenomena Garden, clouds unfurled.
Sword Without Dust was covered in dust, yet full of vigor, clearly having benefited greatly from the Trial Sword Assembly.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Myriad Phenomena Garden, Sword Without Dust spoke faintly:
"Fellow Daoist, why have you been following me?"
As his words fell, a figure slowly walked out, dressed in the True Disciple robes of the Sword Lineage, with a treasured sword at his waist, a handsome face, and a hint of arrogance between his brows.
"I'm just curious where you want to go?"
Li Changkong said with a smile.
Of course, he knew where Sword Without Dust was going.
Sword Without Dust frowned slightly. He recognized Li Changkong; wasn't this the renowned Li Changkong, another "Li Family Sword Immortal"?
The Li Family of Lingxu was also a famous Sword Dao family, having produced countless talented Sword Cultivators.
In fact, Yunmiao Xianjun, a member of the Li Family who followed the Dan Dao, was, to some extent, an anomaly.
"What does it have to do with you?"
Sword Without Dust said impolitely.
He knew that Han Xuanji liked tranquility and did not want the other party to disturb Han Xuanji.
"Hehe."
Li Changkong did not get angry at his words, but instead smiled and said:
"It seems Junior Brother Han indeed has something special. Being friends with a Sword Dao Genius like you, his Sword Dao must also be quite extraordinary."
… …
Sword Without Dust did not want to bother with the other party.
However, Li Changkong still approached and said loudly outside Myriad Phenomena Garden:
"I heard that Junior Brother Han, though residing in the Dan Meridian, is deeply versed in the Sword Dao and has obtained the true teachings of the Sword Lineage. I, Li Changkong, am untalented and obsessed with the sword. Today, I specifically come to seek guidance, and I hope Junior Brother Han will enlighten me!"
"You!"
Sword Without Dust was a bit displeased; this person was so rude.
He then felt some self-reproach, thinking that he had attracted this annoying fellow.
At this moment, Han Xuanji just happened to come out, ready to bid farewell to Sword Without Dust.
He looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young man dressed in the True Disciple robes of the Sword Lineage, looking at him with burning eyes.
[Li Changkong (Shadowless Sword Immortal): Heavenly Immortal Third Realm, personal Disciple of Yucheng Xian Zun, direct descendant of the Ancient Immortal Li Family, born with a refined Sword Heart, possesses extremely high talent in the Sword Dao, has been practicing sword for over a hundred years, and has already entered the second Realm of the Sword Dao. He is displeased because Master Yucheng Xian Zun praised you and wants to test your true strength.]
Cultivating for a hundred years, at the Heavenly Immortal Third Realm, this Aptitude is indeed good.
Han Xuanji praised in his heart.
Moreover, the other party was also a descendant of the Li Family, related to his Master.
"Is Your Excellency Dan Meridian's Han Xuanji, Junior Brother Han?"
A clear and slightly arrogant voice sounded not far away.
"It is indeed I, Han. Who is Your Excellency?"
Han Xuanji's expression was calm.
"A Sword Lineage Disciple, Li Changkong."
Li Changkong cupped his hands in a salute, his posture quite courteous, but the challenge in his eyes was undisguised.
His words were polite, but the implication of "I, a Sword Lineage True Disciple, specifically came to challenge you, a Dan Meridian Disciple, to a sword fight" was all too clear.
He was always bothered by his Master's high regard for Han Xuanji, even bestowing upon him the "Supreme Heaven Sword Dao", and he did not believe that a Dan Meridian Disciple could have such high achievements in the Sword Dao. He was determined to test his mettle personally.
Upon hearing this, Han Xuanji understood that trouble had come knocking.
He frowned slightly, about to politely decline:
"Senior Brother Li… …"
"Junior Brother Han, don't worry, I will suppress my Realm to fight you… …"
Li Changkong quickly said:
"And it's just a friendly spar, stopping at the right moment, why refuse? Could it be that you look down on me?"
Han Xuanji outwardly displayed the aura of a Late Stage Earth Immortal, so Li Changkong felt that he was somewhat bullying the weak.
These words were a bit harsh.
Han Xuanji felt a little helpless; wasn't this moral blackmail?
Sword Without Dust, who was beside him, couldn't stand it anymore and immediately said:
"If you want to spar and practice sword, why not find me to accompany you?"
Li Changkong had some interest in Sword Without Dust, but not much, and said faintly:
"As for you, you still need to practice… … Junior Brother Han, however, I find a bit inscrutable, which is why I want to spar with him."
"Then you must first ask the sword in my hand!"
Upon hearing this, Sword Without Dust no longer spoke nonsense. His ancient bronze sword suddenly unsheathed, transforming into a dazzling galaxy, thrusting straight at Li Changkong.
He owed Han Xuanji many favors, and this Li Changkong was bullying others. Even if he had to go all out, he had to stop this person.
He clearly intended to take a beating to block this trouble for Han Xuanji.
"Not bad!"
A gleam flashed in Li Changkong's eyes. He had already intended to gauge Sword Without Dust's strength.
He pointed his fingers like a sword, using his finger as a sword, and gently tapped.
"Ding—!"
A crisp sound of impact rang out.
Li Changkong's seemingly casual tap, his fingertip actually condensed with highly refined, incomparably sharp Sword Intent, striking later but arriving first, accurately and precisely hitting the weakest point of Sword Without Dust's ancient bronze sword's force.
Sword Without Dust only felt an extremely sharp yet ethereal and unpredictable Sword Intent penetrate through the sword body. His arm trembled violently, his blood Qi surged, and that vast Sword Intent was easily broken by this single tap.
He involuntarily stumbled back several steps, his face filled with disbelief.
His full-power sword strike was actually broken so effortlessly by the other party?
Although he knew the gap between them would be large, he didn't expect to be defeated so thoroughly.
"The Sword Intent is refined, but it lacks variation."
Li Changkong retracted his finger, his tone flat, yet it pierced Sword Without Dust's heart like a needle, with the demeanor of a Senior instructing a Junior.
"To enter the Realm of Sword Immortal Myriad Phenomena, you still need to practice more."
Sword Without Dust's face alternated between green and pale. He tightly gripped the sword hilt, but knew that what the other party said was true.
To be defeated so cleanly and then lectured by someone left him speechless for a moment.
At this time, Sword Without Dust was more annoyed at himself for failing to stop the other party for Han Xuanji.
He wanted to swing his sword, but intense pain assailed him.
Though not fatal, it would be difficult to move flexibly in a short time.
Li Changkong no longer looked at him, his gaze once again turning to the always silent Han Xuanji, his challenging intent growing even stronger:
"Junior Brother Han, now… … can you enlighten me?"
Is this person truly so talented?
All the pressure instantly shifted to Han Xuanji.
Han Xuanji looked at Li Changkong, who had an arrogant expression and was pressing closer step by step, and then looked at Sword Without Dust, who had an unwilling expression beside him. He sighed softly in his heart.
The tree desires tranquility, but the wind does not cease.
He slowly raised his eyes, looking calmly at Li Changkong, and finally spoke:
"Since Senior Brother Li insists on sparring… …"
"Then, as you wish."