Chaos Heaven-Dominating Technique

Chapter 458: Chapter 456: Someone Wants to See You

’Hmph, to think a mere Tier Five Spirit Marquis would force me to use my full strength. If those old geezers found out, I’d never hear the end of it!’ he muttered to himself, raising the Silver Longsword in his hand.

’But this kid has done the Refinement of Fire Spirit Black Obsidian, which is extremely harmful to spiritual bodies like me. Using my full strength should be excusable. I just hope he can take at least one hit, or this won’t be any fun at all!’ The Elder finished his thought and turned his gaze to Shen Haoran, only to find him standing with his eyes shut tight.

’Huh? Is he just giving up? What a coward!’ the Elder said with disdain, seeing that Shen Haoran wasn’t making a move.

However, just as the words left the Elder’s mouth, a sense of imminent danger washed over him. Shockingly, the source of this feeling was Shen Haoran, who stood across from him with his eyes still closed.

"Who are you calling a coward?" Suddenly, a teasing voice spoke from behind the Elder. Before he could react, a Flaming Longsword condensed from Fire Spirit Black Obsidian rested lightly against his neck.

Feeling the searing heat on his neck, the Elder was filled with utter shock. He roared internally, ’Impossible! How can this be? I didn’t see him move at all! He’s still standing right in front of me!’

He glanced back out of the corner of his eye, and when he saw Shen Haoran’s illusory figure, realization dawned on him. ’Spiritual Thought! The figure behind me... it’s just a projection of the kid’s Spiritual Thought!’

Seeing the Spiritual Thought behind him, the Elder was even more astounded. ’To be able to sneak a Spiritual Thought behind me so silently, without me noticing a thing... the power of this Spiritual Thought Body must be at least at the Spirit Emperor Level!’ As he himself was merely a remnant consciousness, and because the Sword Tomb was a trial ground for the Ten Thousand Swords Sect’s disciples, this Elder’s strength was at most between a Tier Three and Tier Four Spirit Aspect. But Shen Haoran was a Peak Fifth Grade Alchemist, and the intensity of his Spiritual Thought could rival that of a Spirit Emperor Level Martial Artist. Dealing with this Elder was simply a matter of moments.

Feeling the pressure emanating from Shen Haoran’s Spiritual Thought, the Elder could only give a wry smile. The Silver Longsword in his hand slowly dissipated. He knew he was no match for Shen Haoran.

"Alas, I’ve truly grown old," the Elder sighed, appearing to age a decade in an instant. ’To think that I was once a powerhouse in my own right, only to be defeated by a young Tier Five Spirit Marquis... and without being able to put up any resistance at all.’

Seeing the Elder let his sword disappear, Shen Haoran chuckled softly. The Flaming Longsword in his hand dissipated, and his Spiritual Thought flowed back into his body as his closed eyes slowly opened. He hadn’t come here to kill, but to seek the inheritance of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. There was no need to antagonize these Elders.

"Senior, thank you for the match," Shen Haoran said, retracting his Fire Spirit Black Obsidian and offering a cupped-fist salute. In truth, Shen Haoran held a great deal of respect for the Elder. ’To have his consciousness put under a Seal in this sunless Sword Tomb after death, enduring endless torment just to guard the Sect and benefit future generations... that level of dedication is truly moving.’

Seeing Shen Haoran’s humble demeanor, a smile of appreciation appeared on the Elder’s face. ’So young and exceptionally powerful, yet not the least bit arrogant. If a genius like this avoids any major mishaps, he’s certain to reach heights unattainable by ordinary people.’

"Could you explain what you said earlier? What is the state of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect now?" the Elder asked, sitting down cross-legged.

At his words, Shen Haoran didn’t mince words and recounted everything he knew. As the Elder listened, a bleak expression settled on his features. They had been under this Seal in the Sword Tomb for ten thousand years, never imagining such drastic changes had taken place outside. The Ten Thousand Swords Sect, which he had guarded with all his heart, had become but a ripple in the long river of history, vanishing without a trace.

"Alas, so this day has finally come," the Elder sighed. Though he was long dead and knew that Sects rise and fall, a profound sadness still took root in his heart upon learning that the Sect he had poured his blood, sweat, and tears into had vanished.

"Thank you for informing me, young friend. You came to this Sword Tomb for an inheritance, I presume. So, tell me, what is it you wish to learn? I will teach you!" After a moment, the Elder recovered from his sorrow. After all, he had been dead for ten thousand years; these worldly matters no longer held much significance for him.

Hearing the Elder’s offer, Shen Haoran’s face lit up with joy. He immediately replied, "Upon entering your esteemed Sect, I had the good fortune to witness the Martial Skill, One Sword Asura. I wish to learn its Cultivation Method."

"Oh, One Sword Asura?" the Elder said, surprised. "I thought you’d ask for some High Tier Cultivation Technique, not a Martial Skill. But you don’t seem to be a swordsman, young friend. For someone who isn’t deeply versed in the Sword Dao, even if you obtain the Cultivation Method for One Sword Asura, you would only be able to learn its form, not its true intent. Therefore, One Sword Asura is not suitable for you," the Elder cautioned.

Shen Haoran fell silent at his words. It was true. Ever since he began his Cultivation, he had always preferred close-quarters, hand-to-hand combat. The only weapon he had ever used was the Black Ruler, which had been for weight training, and he hadn’t used any weapon since it was destroyed. As for the Sword Dao, he was a complete novice. If One Sword Asura truly required deep expertise in the Sword Dao to practice, then this was a major problem. Still, Shen Haoran was reluctant to give up. Its immense Attack Power was just too tempting.

Seeing Shen Haoran’s conflicted expression, the Elder was about to try and persuade him further. But just as he opened his mouth to speak, a voice like a Brahma Sound echoed in his ear, and a strange look crossed his face.

"Well... you don’t have to struggle with the decision anymore. Someone wants to see you," the Elder then said to Shen Haoran.

"Someone wants to see me? Who?" Shen Haoran was taken aback by the Elder’s words, confused. ’Is there someone in this Sword Tomb who knows me?’

"Someone who can help you. Even if you have absolutely no foundation in the Sword Dao, he can turn you into a genius of the sword. As for his identity... I can only tell you this: he is the founder of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, and the master of this Sword Tomb!"