Chapter 1172: Chapter 1170: Purple Jade Great Emperor, Sentimental Demon Concubine_1
The sword-shaped light talisman was only the size of an egg; its surface glow flickered like candlelight, not particularly conspicuous. However, from it, Shi Xiaole felt the aura of the Supreme Sword Way, which only the leaves that are peculiar to the Supreme Sword Way possessed.
Of course, it was not as profound as the former, but it had at least one-tenth of that extent.
"Sword Talisman!"
Joy rose in Shi Xiaole’s heart.
The martial arts inspiration was simply one of many opportunities born of fate in the Martial World, which anyone could encounter through a significant portion of luck.
But the Sword Talisman was different, it was an essential item required to enter Heavenly Sword Peak, generally only obtained by slaying a powerful Martial Arts Light Body. However, not every Martial Arts Light Body contained a Sword Talisman, hence obtaining one was as much about strength as it was about luck.
Legend had it that only by collecting twenty Sword Talismans would one be eligible to enter Heavenly Sword Peak and compete for the title of Sword Master.
For blade wielders, it was Blade Talismans they had to collect, and similarly, there were Spear Talismans, Mace Talismans, Shear Talismans, and so on. As for experts in unarmed combat, the corresponding items were Martial Talismans.
Reaching out his hand, the Sword Talisman fell into Shi Xiaole’s grasp, and after the glow retracted, it resembled a white jade sword ornament. This involuntarily reminded Shi Xiaole of the Sword Evaluation Orders from Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain.
The two items were very similar; could it be that the Sword King’s son imitated this object to create those? It was certainly within the realm of possibility. The death of the Sword King still remains a mystery to this day, with no one knowing where he vanished to before his disappearance. It’s quite possible he made his way to the South Sea Continent.
"One Sword Talisman alone is far more significant to me than this entire lake," Shi Xiaole thought to himself.
Feeling the Sword Qi flowing into his body, Shi Xiaole was overjoyed.
If he could fully comprehend it, it would undeniably enhance the foundation of his own sword path. And this was just a single Sword Talisman—if he could collect ten, it would be equivalent to a leaf from the Supreme Sword Way, with even greater benefits to be had.
Of course, that was just a secondary feature. It was said that upon entering Heavenly Sword Peak, one would immediately be enveloped in the aura of the Supreme Sword Way. Many unparalleled sword practitioners from the South Sea Martial World had, under those circumstances, created their strongest moves.
"Congratulations," said the leader of Illusion Orchid Tower as she and the others approached.
Acquiring a Sword Talisman on the third day was a sign of how good Shi Xiaole’s luck was, but it was also a testament to his strength. Had it been them, they might have the treasure within reach and still fail to claim it.
"Every Nineteen Peaks opening varies in duration; the longest on record lasted fifty years, while the shortest was six. I believe collecting twenty Sword Talismans in six years should pose no challenge for Brother Shi," expressed Bai Ruiting, confidently clinging to Shi Xiaole. She had learned this information from the leader of Illusion Orchid Tower.
"We mustn’t be careless. Nobody can accurately predict the opening pattern of the Nineteen Peaks. If this session lasts less than six years and you can’t collect enough Sword Talismans, even the strongest among us would end up in tears," the leader of Illusion Orchid Tower cautioned.
Having spent many years in the South Sea, she knew this session had the highest concentration of elite practitioners ever. In fact, she felt Shi Xiaole was quite unlucky; in previous sessions, he might have stood a chance to compete for the Sword Master’s title.
But this time, almost all the renowned sword practitioners of the South Sea had assembled, not to mention contemporaries like Liu Ruofei—any of whom would be a formidable adversary. And of the nine shadowy figures, one was certainly a sword practitioner!
Yet, even if Shi Xiaole failed to secure the title of Sword Master, with his talent, should he manage to ascend Heavenly Sword Peak, his progress was sure to outpace that of others.
"I’m well aware," Shi Xiaole nodded.
The group of nine continued on their journey without further ado.
In the following days, formations like the boundless ocean, Thunder Pools, and Black Sun among others manifested, catching the eyes of Shi Xiaole and his companions. Unfortunately, the levels of martial arts realm revealed were too low to hold their interest.
"Such a rich aura of the Floral Martial Way!"
About half a month later, as they were flying, the leader of Illusion Orchid Tower suddenly brightened up.
In the distance, the group saw a boundless sea of flowers, a kaleidoscope of purples and reds swaying in the wind, boasting every color and shape imaginable, making one wonder if they had stumbled into a kingdom of flowers.
Yet the mixed fragrance was not overpowering but instead refreshingly subtle.
"A Floral Martial Way at the very peak of twelvefold intensity!"
Even Shi Xiaole was startled.
This level of martial arts realm could, before many reclusive experts reemerged into the Martial World, match a powerful expert ranked within the top one hundred and fifty in the South Sea.
Keep in mind, Shi Xiaole’s Wind Sword Way was but in its initial stages of elevenfold intensity, comparable only to the Floral Martial Way at the peak of twelvefold intensity.
As for the Floral Martial Way, even at the peak of twelvefold intensity, different locations signified differing levels of distinction. The heart of the flower sea was undoubtedly the prime spot, and the eight women rushed in excitedly.
"All of you, back off!"
Before they could get close, a cold shout from a man could be heard, followed by the sight of a massive fist formed from countless petals rushing out. The force of the punch hadn’t even arrived when the scent of flowers transformed into a storm, furiously whipping forward.
"Orchid Realm!"
The leader of Illusion Orchid Tower pushed forward with both hands, quickly summoning her ultimate skill to protect the women.
But the strength of both sides was clearly on different levels. After withstanding the storm, the light shield shrank in size and, upon being hit by the fist, immediately collapsed, the formidable energy of the punch inundating towards the women like tidal waves.
The women’s faces paled, utterly powerless to resist.
Clang!
At the critical moment, a strand of Sword Qi streaked across the sky, slicing through the fist. Shi Xiaole appeared in front of the women.
In the heart of the sea of flowers, the bright begonia blossoms suddenly transformed into two people, a man and a woman. The man was dressed in purple, handsome with a certain brooding presence and eyes that conveyed a thick evilness, especially when they landed on the women. Upon seeing Shi Xiaole, his gaze quickly turned cold.
The fist just now had, without a doubt, been launched by him.
The expression of the woman was quite the opposite, even the corners of her eyes brimmed with mirth, her charm seemingly ingrained in her very bones. Perhaps only Xia Youying and Xi Xianglei could compare, especially when her eyes set on Shi Xiaole – the smile on her face grew even broader.
"I was wondering who it was. It turns out to be the renowned Young Master Shi. However, it’s a pity that I’ve claimed this spot for myself, so you might as well take your beauties and leave," the woman said with a smile.
Bai Ruiting and others showed unwillingness, and Qu Ni angrily said, "The place is so big, why should you monopolize it all by yourself?"
"Little sister must be joking. Don’t you know, the more people there are, the more the martial arts energy gets divided? That’s not conducive to my cultivation," the woman teased.
"This place isn’t your home!"
Qu Ni grew even more furious.
The other party acted as if they owned the place. Just now, without a second word, the man in purple had attacked them. If not for Brother Shi’s intervention, they probably would’ve already lost their lives.
"What’s the use of talking nonsense! Little girl, you just asked us by what right, and I’m telling you, it’s by right of strength! Do you dare to be so tough only because you’re relying on that boy at your side? Hehe, slaying the Lonely Lance Emperor with two sword strikes does show some ability, but still, you’re not qualified to be brazen in front of me," the man in purple said, his lips curving into a disdainful smile. The frivolous yet bone-chilling look in his eyes made Qu Ni shiver all over.
Before Qu Ni could speak, the leader of Illusion Orchid Tower sent a message in advance, "Don’t try to act tough. If I’m not mistaken, this man should be the leader of the Purple Jade Sect, the Purple Jade Great Emperor, and the woman across from him, who is no less imposing than the Great Emperor, is very likely the Sentimental Demon Concubine."
Upon hearing this, the women were somewhat stupefied. They knew the duo was formidable, but their identities were still unexpected.
The leader of Illusion Orchid Tower had previously introduced the masters of the South Sea Martial World, especially mentioning the Purple Jade Great Emperor. A thousand years ago, he was already one of the hundred top masters in the South Sea Martial World. Nobody knew how far his strength had progressed over a millennium.
As for the Sentimental Demon Concubine, she had only risen to prominence decades ago, but the fact that the Purple Jade Great Emperor was willing to co-rule the Purple Jade Sect with her indicated her immense strength.
One on one, the women might have a shred of confidence in Shi Xiaole, but now it was clearly two against one, and they couldn’t bear to drag Shi Xiaole down with them.
Qu Ni was silent, bowing her head.
Just as the women were about to leave, the Purple Jade Great Emperor said, "Wait, you can leave, but that little girl who dared to talk back to the Demon Concubine and showed no respect, I want her to cut off her own tongue and apologize to my Demon Concubine."
He was referring to Qu Ni.
Upon hearing this, Qu Ni’s face turned white, and she clenched her fists. But under the surprisingly terrifying gaze of the Purple Jade Great Emperor, which he didn’t purposely emanate, she felt weakened, as if the gaze had locked onto her. Her fists involuntarily loosened, and a chill rushed from her tailbone to her crown.
In front of such an unparalleled master, she, an Earthly Realm Martial Emperor, was as weak as an ant that could be crushed at any moment, completely bereft of the power to resist.
Suddenly.
A tall figure stepped in front of Qu Ni, freeing her from the oppressive gaze. When Qu Ni saw who it was, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.
"Don’t you think you’re being too excessive?" Shi Xiaole said coldly as he faced the brooding gaze of the Purple Jade Great Emperor.
"Excessive? Heh, so you want to play the hero in front of the ladies, showing off your grandeur? You better wake up. I’m not that idiot Lonely Lance Emperor. Believe it or not, if you dare say one more word, not just that little girl, I will make all your women stay!" The Purple Jade Great Emperor’s lips curled up higher, laden with undisguised scorn.
The Sentimental Demon Concubine glanced at Shi Xiaole and suddenly said, "Leader, let it go. Bullying a youngster is pointless, let them all go."
The Purple Jade Great Emperor was a little surprised. Nonetheless, this woman was an object of his dreams, so of course, he couldn’t disappoint her. After a moment, he said, "For the Demon Concubine’s sake, boy, shut your mouth! Make that little girl apologize right now, and I might spare your pathetic lives."
The women all had looks of anger, but they were overpowered by circumstances. That’s how it is in the Martial World; those with stronger fists make the rules.
Not wanting to trouble everyone, Qu Ni, moved by the way Shi Xiaole was berated for her sake, felt a mix of anger and distress. She bit her lip, about to speak.
But the figure before her intervened, "I am very curious to see how you would deal with me. Fools are happiest when they embrace past achievements and bask in self-satisfaction. What makes you think you’re entitled to be so arrogant in front of me, other than being older?"
The moment these words were spoken, everyone turned to look.
The Sentimental Demon Concubine’s lips moved, but she held back her words.
The Purple Jade Great Emperor’s expression turned dark instantly; he trembled with fury and narrowed his eyes, spitting each word out venomously, "Good, very good, boy. Because of your arrogance, the women by your side will be dragged into the abyss by you. I’ll start by killing each of them right in front of you!"
With those words, the Purple Jade Great Emperor surged out of the sea of flowers, striking with his palm. The force of his palm unexpectedly bypassed Shi Xiaole and aimed directly at Qu Ni behind him.
