Chapter 1121: Chapter 1120: Invitation (Extra for ’poonlo’, 1/10)_1
After Shi Xiaole took Ling’er away, Nine Heavens Mountain became famous once again, and this time, its fame spread far and wide. Previously, many only knew about Kirin but not Nine Heavens Mountain; now, everyone was aware of it.
Every day, large groups of people came to the outskirts of Nine Heavens Mountain. However, knowing in advance that an Array System at the Sky Origin level protected the mountain, no one acted recklessly.
The matter of Shi Xiaole bringing back Ling’er was a secret, known only to a select few core individuals.
Yinfeng Pavilion, sixth floor.
"So this is the little girl, she’s quite pretty," Mu Ling examined Ling’er and snorted coldly. Seeing this, Gui Zhihang chuckled, while Duanmu Keren rolled her eyes at Mu Ling.
Mu Ling’s attention was clearly still on Shi Xiaole, and he asked curiously, "Old Shi, I heard you defeated Emperor Yan with a single sword strike. What exactly is the extent of your true strength?"
As soon as he said this, all those on the sixth floor turned their gazes toward Shi Xiaole, unable to hide their curiosity. No one wasn’t curious; after all, this was probably one of the most discussed topics in the martial arts world today, second only to the secret of East Victory.
"I can’t say for sure, but I should be able to defeat anyone ranked outside the top fifty on the Emperor List."
After thinking for a moment, Shi Xiaole answered.
Those ranked from sixtieth to twentieth on the Emperor List had basically perfected their top-level martial arts and were close to perfection in the Heart Martial Realm, although to varying degrees.
Moreover, top-level martial arts are divided into internal energy and techniques; some have perfected both, while others only one, resulting in significantly different levels of strength.
According to Shi Xiaole’s observations, figures like the master of the Great Heaven Divine Palace must have perfected both internal energy and techniques, hence ranked at twenty-second. As for the likes of the Flying Sky Stick Emperor and the Dustless Sword Emperor, they have perfected one or the other.
In comparison, Shi Xiaole, besides having perfected his sword techniques, had not even reached the major achievement stage with the "Purple Blood Great Method," and his Heart Sword was also some distance from perfection. However, his Vigorous Air was extraordinary and significantly compensated for these shortcomings, allowing him to defeat Emperor Yan.
Shi Xiaole estimated that if he used his strongest "Returning Sword" with all his might, he should be able to compete with the one ranked fiftieth on the Emperor List, Mingdong True Emperor.
"Fiftieth?"
Although everyone had their suspicions, actually hearing this answer still left them particularly shocked.
It is known that every ten ranks difference on the Emperor List signifies a notable gap in strength. Shi Xiaole, at the age of fifty, could be ranked fiftieth. One couldn’t help but wonder where he would rank at sixty or seventy, and the crowd felt somewhat apprehensive to imagine.
"I’m not going to compare myself to you anymore," Mu Ling let out a breath of air.
He was now an Earthly Realm Martial Emperor of the Void Origin level and his strength was certainly not low. Being a Void Origin Martial Emperor at fifty-three was legendary enough, but compared to Shi Xiaole, he was nothing special.
Moreover, Mu Ling was aware that the biggest reason for his rapid breakthrough was the change in the world’s spiritual energy. Besides him, Gui Zhihang and Duanmu Keren had broken through years ago.
Qu Wuyan had also become an Earthly Realm Martial Emperor, and including the recently joined Sword Couple, currently one had greater individual strength than Qu Wuyan; when they combined their swords, they could even battle a first-class Earthly Realm Martial Emperor.
As for the others, they too had made significant progress. The times had changed, and one could not use the old standards to measure the present.
"I believe it won’t be long before my brother becomes number one," Ling’er, holding Shi Xiaole’s hand, said with a look of admiration. Shi Xiaole smiled and patted her head.
Seeing the affectionate interaction between the two, Xia Yunxi, Su Yanru, Gui Fuling, Zhu Ling, and other women did not dare to take Ling’er lightly. Moreover, the little girl was indeed lovable, with delicate features and calling each of them ’sister’, quickly drawing smiles from all the women.
Shi Xiaole then inquired about Uncle Wang’s whereabouts. Zhu Ling told him that the man had returned once but had left in a hurry afterward and hadn’t been heard from since.
"Big brother must have feared causing me worry, so he didn’t reveal anything about me," Shi Xiaole thought to himself.
"Oh right, that Protector Han came by several times as well, seemingly in a rush and left when he couldn’t find you," Zhu Ling suddenly mentioned.
Han Yanfa, huh?
A sudden thought struck Shi Xiaole; he hadn’t encountered any Divine Sect experts on Endless Risky Peak. Given Mu Qianji’s personality, she wouldn’t miss such a grand event unless something major had occurred, preventing her from leaving!
With this thought in mind, after chatting with the others for a while and making arrangements for Ling’er, Shi Xiaole went to see Xi Xianglei, planning to ask her about it.
To his surprise and alarm, Xi Xianglei seemed unaware of the situation. Even more disconcerting was that he found this Divine Sect Saintess was different from before.
Her appearance was the same, sitting coolly across the round table. But occasionally, as her gaze shifted unintentionally, it carried a seductive charm that was enough to disconcert even Shi Xiaole.
"Young Master Shi, what’s the matter?" asked Xi Xianglei, noticing his gaze on her. She touched her face, looked down, and then lifted her eyes again, a simple movement that was full of allure and enough to intoxicate any ordinary man.
"Miss Xi, have you noticed anything unusual lately?" Shi Xiaole asked.
Xi Xianglei thought for a moment and then shook her head.
"If that’s the case, I’ll take my leave now. Should there be any matters in the future that Miss Xi cannot handle, please tell me without hesitation," he said, giving her a deep look before pushing the door open and leaving.
The Xi Xianglei of the past, although also stunningly beautiful, had somewhat stiff expressions, but now... Shi Xiaole had confirmed that such movements and expressions couldn’t possibly be feigned by Xi Xianglei. Yet, the truly terrifying thing lay right here.
What kind of upheaval can cause a person to change so much that they no longer resemble themselves?
In her room, candlelight flickered brightly; Xi Xianglei faced the mirror, touching her face inch by inch. Her expression alternated between cold purity and charming allure. Eventually, she buried her face in her hands, her suppressed sobs faintly audible.
After staying at Nine Heavens Mountain for two days, aside from intimate moments with Xia Yunxi, Shi Xiaole also secretly observed the changes in the experts at the villa, and the results were quite satisfying.
On the third day, he secretly began his journey, heading to the invitation of the Galan Sword Emperor.
...
Flying Horse Dynasty.
Qibao Dai Domain.
On an ordinary-looking tall mountain, there was a rather concealed thatched cottage built against a cliff. In front of the cottage was an open space where two people sat opposite each other across a boulder, occasionally lifting their teacups to drink.
"Galan Sword Emperor, do you think Kirin might not show up?"
The man in white was extraordinarily handsome, his body exuding an untainted, appealing presence - if it wasn’t the Dustless Sword Emperor, then who else could it be?
The Galan Sword Emperor shook his head, "Based on my judgment, he shouldn’t."
The Dustless Sword Emperor couldn’t help but laugh wryly.
They didn’t know Shi Xiaole very well, but having cultivated to the Void Origin Realm, their instincts were far stronger than the average person’s, especially for the Galan Sword Emperor, who practiced Buddhist teachings and possessed an almost predictive ability.
Since he was certain that Shi Xiaole would not break the appointment, waiting a few more days didn’t matter.
"Here he comes."
Just then, the Galan Sword Emperor lifted his head and his deep gaze fixed on the distance. A black dot was rapidly approaching and in the blink of an eye, landed close to the two men.
The newcomer was tall and straight, dressed in sky-blue robes and wearing a bright yellow longsword at his waist. Handsome and refined as if not of this world, who else could he be but the world-renowned Shi Xiaole.
"Hahaha, Kirin, we’ve been waiting for you for a long time."
The Dustless Sword Emperor was the first to stand up, examining him for a moment, unavoidably feeling sentimental.
Back at Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain, the other party was but a junior, not even qualified to require his attention. Now, even the Galan Sword Emperor had to invite him. Fate indeed is the most wondrous thing.
"I have seen Galan elder and Dustless elder. I will never forget your help last time."
Shi Xiaole quickly clasped his hands in a salute to the two elders. He had been somewhat worried, but seeing them, he knew his worries had been unfounded.
"No need for courtesy. I simply couldn’t stand those who bully others through their power. Besides, I rescued you last time because I needed your help."
With a wave of his hand, the Galan Sword Emperor gestured for Shi Xiaole to take the empty stone stool and promptly said, and this forthrightness left Shi Xiaole somewhat unprepared.
The Dustless Sword Emperor, who had probably seen such behavior before, just shook his head, chuckling and giving Shi Xiaole a knowing look.
"I’m unaware of where you need my help, elder, but as long as it is within my capabilities, I will not refuse."
There is no such thing as free help in the world; the frankness of the Galan Sword Emperor made Shi Xiaole feel at ease.
"It’s like this. Several years ago, when I was traveling the world, I found a tomb at the border between the Bei Liang Dynasty and the Flying Horse Dynasty. Only when I delved deeper did I discover that to access the core area, the cooperation of three powerful swordsmen was needed. Therefore, I hope you can lend me your strength."
"Of course, if we are able to open the core area, the treasures inside will be divided according to our contributions, ensuring nobody is at a loss."
For a tomb that even the Galan Sword Emperor couldn’t forget, Shi Xiaole just had to think and knew it wasn’t ordinary, it made one wonder just what kind of person the tomb owner was. But the more extraordinary it was, the more likely it was to be dangerous.
Shi Xiaole couldn’t help but ask, "There are many swordsmen stronger than me. Why would Galan elder seek me out?"
"Because I find you pleasing to the eye."
Shi Xiaole thought he had heard wrong. Was that a reason?
The Dustless Sword Emperor chuckled, "Don’t be offended, he’s just like that. We’re not forcing you on this matter. If you’re unwilling, it doesn’t matter, just don’t reveal anything about it."
Shi Xiaole silently shook his head.
These two held a life-saving grace over him, and if he were to refuse their request, it would seem inappropriate, making it even harder to repay the favor in the future. Moreover, saying it was helping was actually about teaming up for an adventure. Even without them, he would have gone elsewhere.
From Galan Sword Emperor’s attitude, he must have obtained quite a few treasures from the tomb already, otherwise, he wouldn’t be aiming to enter the core. Maybe Shi Xiaole could also gain something from it.
"Since both elders think so highly of me, it would be disrespectful of me to decline."
After a moment’s thought, Shi Xiaole finally agreed.
"Hahaha, that’s the spirit!"
The Dustless Sword Emperor laughed heartily.
The Galan Sword Emperor also breathed a sigh of relief.
Of course, the real reason he invited Shi Xiaole wasn’t just that he was pleasing to the eye, but more so because of a certain premonition. This premonition had helped him avoid many risks, and he believed it wouldn’t fail him this time either.
