Novel Bin Chapter 78
The swordsmen behind him paid their respects, drawing their swords and saluting. It was a gesture of respect and farewell from one swordsman to a peerless one!
Unaware of it, the Sword Monarch waved back casually, stopping before the Sutra Pavilion under many watchful eyes, laughing loudly: “The Sword Monarch came today uninvited, requesting the Young True Immortal to draw his sword!”
He gazed at the Sutra Pavilion in front of him, eyes filled with curiosity. Though it appeared ordinary, a magical Daoist aura permeated it, thanks to the prolonged enlightenment of Ning Changge, transforming it into a mystical place. Over time, it might even become a sacred site for enlightenment.
Zhang Lingyu and others looked expectant. They hadn’t seen Ning Changge in action, and now, with the Sword Monarch, they hoped to witness the true form of Ning Changge.
However. Contrary to expectations, the Sutra Pavilion remained silent, filling them with doubt.
The Sword Monarch sighed. He took the sword box from his back, gently stroking it, speaking to himself: “Originally, I had six of the top ten swords of Liyang, but now I have only five. Later, I filled it with four more to make nine.”
“Years ago, I challenged Martial Imperial City with my sword. Wang Xianzhi, undisputedly the first in Liyang, suppressed the city for sixty years. I lost in one move—not because I could only handle one move, but because Wang Xianzhi only used one. The Yellow-Lu Sword was left in the city to die for me.”
“After that, Wang Xianzhi became my lifelong obsession!”
“Leaving the city, I was desolate, intending to destroy all my famous swords but inexplicably entered the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion.”
As he explained, everyone finally understood where the Sword Monarch went after fleeing Martial Imperial City.
This was an old legend. He continued in a slightly hoarse voice: “At first, in the prince’s mansion, I happily fed horses and chopped wood, forgetting the shame of the city. Many years passed, but unexpectedly, I heard rumors of the Young True Immortal.”
“At the mere age of nine, he could shake the world, refining a Buddha. I, the Sword Monarch, claimed to see through everything, but truly, I was just avoiding reality.”
“I knew I never let go of my obsession. Wang Xianzhi was the hurdle I couldn’t overcome in my life!”
His voice became passionate: “I journeyed from Beiliang, walking six thousand miles, gaining insight into one sword!”
“Today, for this duel, I place my life and death aside, just seeking the Young True Immortal’s sword.”
“If I succeed and transcend the realm, I won’t forget today’s grace!”
“If I fail, I only hope the Young True Immortal values me enough to bury me in the Heaven-Man Tomb. The first tree on the east side seems nice; it faces the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion. My sword intent could add to Wudang’s foundations.”
His eyes shone brightly, clear of all confusion, like a polished rusted sword, now gleaming. His overwhelming sword intent soared to the sky, showcasing his peerless Heaven-Man prowess, earning Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Lingyu’s admiration.
Feelings mixed in their hearts. This was an old swordsman trying to shed his obsession.
Martial Imperial City’s Wang Xianzhi was invincible, suppressing the city for sixty years. The Sword Monarch knew if he didn’t reach the land-dwelling immortal realm, he’d never defeat Wang Xianzhi. He aimed to use Ning Changge’s hand to break through under life-and-death pressure.
If he succeeded, he’d certainly challenge Martial Imperial City again! If he failed, entering the Heaven-Man Tomb, he’d end his obsession with his life and sword path.
Others now fully grasped the Sword Monarch’s intentions, their hearts even more conflicted.
Standing tall, his tattered clothes fluttering, eyes like swords, he seemed the same, yet his aura had transformed significantly—like a divine sword piercing the heavens!
The Sword Monarch shouted loudly: “Young True Immortal, please grant me a sword!”
Excitement surged among the spectators. The tightly closed doors of the Sutra Pavilion suddenly opened. Everyone gazed expectantly, but then they were stunned. It wasn’t Ning Changge who emerged but a small golden monkey in a gray Daoist robe.
With care, Jinling closed the pavilion doors behind him before turning to bow to the Sword Monarch. The latter quickly returned the bow, having heard of the spiritual monkey capable of subduing Heaven-Man experts. Meeting in person, his eyes filled with surprise.
Jinling did nothing more and stepped forward. With each step, his body grew taller, reaching over two zhang tall, his golden fur like sharp blades. Clearly, compared to that day, Jinling’s strength had grown further.
The martial artists gasped, awed by Jinling’s fierce true form. Zhang Lingyu’s eyes widened, rumors paled compared to this reality. The twelve-foot golden monkey appeared like a demon king!
Daoists having spiritual beasts as attendants were legendary, now showing before them. Zhang Lingyu felt an absurdity, as if the one in the pavilion were the reincarnation of a Daoist patriarch! Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought.
The Sword Monarch grew serious. Jinling’s eyes, as large as lanterns, held no killing intent. He knew this fight was a test before facing Ning Changge.
The Golden Monkey’s colossal form revealed sacred aura, while the Sword Monarch’s sword intention surged skyward, ready to pierce the clouds and stir the storm. There was no hint of anger in him—only hearty laughter: “Good! If so, I shall first duel the spirit monkey for the Young True Immortal’s sword!”
His fighting spirit surged. Facing a golden monkey was no trivial matter; the pressure he felt was immense.