Chapter 834: Chapter 833 Leave Something Behind_1
Although dissatisfied in their hearts, the leading Elders still gave Shi Xiaole considerable respect. As he approached, they promptly went forward to welcome him, smiling and saying, "Elder, we’ve finally been waiting for your arrival!"
"You needn’t be so formal."
After dismounting, Shi Xiaole let someone lead his horse away and shook his head.
His psychic power was incredibly strong, especially during the second challenge where he voluntarily became a monster. During the process, his psychic power had been further tempered, reaching a quality almost unsurpassed in the world.
Even from a distance, the subtle expressions of these people did not escape Shi Xiaole’s perception, but he didn’t expose them. He followed the group into Ten Sword Mountain and immediately requested to know the situation.
Seeing Shi Xiaole’s swift and decisive manner, the few Elders were somewhat reassured, at least he wasn’t here to loaf around. Elder Kong, who was leading them, said, "Elder Shi, the situation is very bad."
In past years, because of the presence of Qiu Wuming and Zhan Liye, Ten Sword Mountain was considered one of the three overlords of Yunsong Plateau, long monopolizing the largest amount of resources.
But with the departure of the two, Ten Sword Mountain had fallen greatly, and due to past events, became a target for other major powers, facing repression everywhere. The area of ore mines they controlled had shrunk by more than half.
Over the years, the amount of Cloud-Gathering Stone they obtained is less than a tenth of what it used to be in the past.
Just three days ago, the Purple Evil Sect, together with the Seven-Colored Sect and Heavenly Seal Mountain, once again came knocking, demanding Ten Sword Sect surrender control over three ore mines in the east, or as retaliation, they would make a move on the west.
"Those three ore mines are incredibly productive and are some of Ten Sword Sect’s earliest assets. Yet they insist we stole them from them. It’s really bullying too much!"
Speaking to the point of indignation, not only Elder Kong but also the other Elders had red faces and trembling beards.
Weakness is the original sin.
Especially in Rainbow State, this principle was exaggerated countless times. Elder Kong and the others weren’t ignorant of it, but when it actually happened to them, it was hard to accept.
In the past, Senior Brother and the Young Suzerain dominated all around them; their majesty was so great that only a coalition of several major powers could barely contend with it.
"We’re outmatched by power, we cannot afford to lose more ore mines in the west, or the west will become forbidden territory for Ten Sword Sect, and it will be difficult to get involved again, ah!"
An Elder lamented, beating his chest and stomping his feet.
A deep disappointment flashed in Elder Kong’s eyes.
Just now, he had secretly used a secret method to probe Shi Xiaole’s true cultivation level—early Sixth Tier of the Divine Border Realm. This discovery completely shattered the last bit of fantasy Elder Kong had.
Given the other’s age, and only having such cultivation, even if he reached the limit, he would at most have the combat power of a mid-level Seventh Tier Earth Immortal. That’s assuming he even had it.
Indeed, such individuals are the most vigorous and youthful. Perhaps he learned of the situation here and wanted to try to turn the tide. Too young, too simple.
"How many days did the three Sects give us?"
In the midst of their dejection, hearing Shi Xiaole’s question, Elder Kong subconsciously said, "Seven days, and in four more days, they will come in person."
"What is the highest fighting power of the three Sects?" Again, Shi Xiaole asked.
Elder Kong replied numbly, "The Seven-Colored Sect and Heavenly Seal Mountain are about as strong as us, but the real fear comes from the Purple Evil Sect. Their representative is their Sixth Elder, once a Ninth Tier expert of the Divine Border Realm, but due to injury his cultivation fell. However, his combat power is unquestionably at a mid-level Eighth Tier."
For an Eighth Tier Earth Immortal, there’s absolute suppression over a Seventh Tier, let alone a mid-level Eighth Tier Earth Immortal. Even if the Purple Evil Sect came alone, it would be enough to give the Ten Sword Sect a hard time.
"I understand. When they come, remember to call me." Shi Xiaole stood up to leave, as he needed to continue comprehending the third style of the Wind Tribulation Sword Technique—he had no time to waste.
"What does he mean?" Confounded, Elder Kong and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
"Perhaps he intends to negotiate peace, but isn’t that a bit idealistic?"
"Maybe the Sect has given him some inside information. These major Sects have been acting too outrageously lately, and I’ve heard that our Sect has already made diplomatic overtures."
Unsuccessful in their guesswork, the Elders had to disperse, each filled with worry about how to handle the situation in four days.
In the blink of an eye, four days passed.
An intimidating aura formed by many converged from afar, causing the bright sunny sky to become pitch black. As the aura pressed down, all the experts of Ten Sword Mountain felt a stifling pressure in their chests and lifted their heads in alarm.
"The seven-day deadline has arrived, Elder Kong. Have you made your decision?" A mocking laugh spread throughout Ten Sword Mountain, and in the sky, an elder with braided hair spoke teasingly.
"You from Heavenly Seal Mountain seem quite natural playing the role of a lackey."
Unwilling to show weakness, Elder Kong also took to the air with his group, confronting the people on the opposite side. However, both in numbers and in terms of aura, they were at a disadvantage.
"Are you looking for trouble, or is Ten Sword Mountain not prepared to comply, hoping to wrestle with our three great powers?"
The braided elder narrowed his eyes, a cold light flickered and vanishes in an instant.
"I do hope Ten Sword Mountain has some backbone. It’s been a long time since there’s been a large-scale battle; the disciples have become somewhat lax."
The yellow-robed elder on another side sneered.
The two played off each other, clearly betting that Ten Sword Mountain wouldn’t dare start a war. With their presumptuous and arrogant demeanor, they angered Ten Sword Mountain’s experts who clenched their teeth in fury, yet they were helpless to do anything.
"I don’t want to hear any nonsense. Choose, surrender or battle."
The purple-robed elder in the center, undoubtedly the Sixth Elder of the Purple Evil Sect, twirled two iron balls in his hand as he spoke.
"Don’t you think you’re breaking the rules too much? When our Sect’s Qiu Wuming and Zhan Liye were still here, even though we were powerful, we at least left you the most basic resources..."
With the iron balls clashing, the purple-robed elder said indifferently, "The past is the past. Your own excess of compassion, whom can you blame?"
Elder Kong was furious, unable to utter a word, but to just hand over the three mines was something he couldn’t get past emotionally, and also, how could he face others if it was known back at the Sect?
"It seems there’s nothing left to discuss. Within three days, your Ten Sword Mountain will be driven out of the west, mark my words,"
the elder in purple said, like a judge about to pass a sentence, then turned to leave.
"Hold on."
Just then, a clear and sonorous voice suddenly rang out.
Before the crowd’s eyes could adjust, a young man in a green shirt appeared on the summit. With another flash, he was in front of Elder Kong, standing tall and dignified, exuding a splendid aura as if divine.
"Who are you?"
Noting Shi Xiaole’s impressive Flying Skill, the elder in purple asked off-handedly.
"I’m the one in charge here."
Shi Xiaole’s gaze swept across the group opposite him, and he declared emphatically, "I heard everything just now. If you want a fight, we are ready. If you want the ore, keep dreaming. Also, Ten Sword Mountain is not a place you can come and go as you please. If you want to leave, leave something behind."
There was a moment of silence at the scene.
Everyone was dumbfounded. Was this guy insane, or did he not have a brain?
"Hahaha, the ignorance of youth knows no fear. I’d really like to see what makes you so bold. Come here!"
After the shock, the elder with the thin braids laughed angrily. He reached out his large hand toward Shi Xiaole’s head, intending to lift him up like a dog.
In his information, the Ten Sword Sect didn’t have a third talent at the level of Qiu Wuming. Even if it were Qiu Wuming, such a young age wouldn’t pose much of a threat.
The elder in purple and the elder in yellow let out a cold laugh.
They had disciplined too many talents who dared to be so outspoken on the strength of their abilities.
"Be careful!"
Elder Kong shouted, but the elder with the thin braids was a higher-ranking Seventh Tier Earth Immortal, no weaker than him. It was sudden, and there was no time to block.
"You’re the one who should roll away."
Without drawing his sword, not even blinking, Shi Xiaole remained standing calmly. As the large hand drew near, an invisible circle of Sword Qi suddenly emanated from his body.
Sizzle.
The hand was halted; then, like a balloon being punctured, countless Sword Qi burst from the holes, fiercely stabbing towards the unsuspecting elder with the thin braids and sending him flying thousands of miles away, causing blood to spray in all directions.
It wasn’t until then that Shi Xiaole’s words were finally heard, resonating in all directions.
"Impossible, defeated a higher-ranking Seventh Tier Earth Immortal in one move?"
Elder Kong almost bit his own tongue in disbelief.
The people of Ten Sword Mountain were stunned.
So were the members of the Purple Evil Sect, the Seven-Colored Sect, and Heavenly Seal Mountain.
The elder in purple and the elder in yellow both widened their eyes in shock.
It’s known that the higher the cultivation, the less likely the combat power of an Earth Immortal could differ greatly from their tier level. By this stage, most people’s potential reaches its limit.
For instance, Earth Immortals of the Fifth Tier in the Divine Barrier Realm are typically Fifth Tier Immortals. Only those with exceptional talent could reach the Sixth Tier.
Earth Immortals of the Sixth Tier in the Divine Barrier Realm are mostly Sixth Tier.
At the Ninth Tier of the Divine Barrier Realm, even a figure like Qiu Wuming could only reach the level of the Ninth Tier, with perhaps some variance in strength.
But what did they see? Someone in the early Sixth Tier of the Divine Barrier Realm, without even moving, had instantly killed a higher-ranking Seventh Tier Earth Immortal. Could it be that the opponent was an Eighth Tier Earth Immortal?
Too exaggerated, too terrifying!
Ignoring the half-dead elder with the thin braids, Shi Xiaole turned his blade-like gaze toward the elder in purple, "It seems you won’t willingly leave anything behind. Then, I, Shi, have no choice but to take it myself."
Clang!
Red Left sword left its sheath, Shi Xiaole boosted his power to eighty percent, and he dragged out a sword light that extended to the horizon, splitting the cloud sea overhead in two. The remaining force of the sword pressed on, carving out a tens of thousands of meters long scar in the earth, lingering without fading.
Shi Xiaole’s sword was faster still, cutting through the sky as if dividing heaven and earth, and slashing directly at the elder in purple.
"Purple Evil Isolated Palm!"
Feeling an intense threat enveloping his entire body, the elder in purple’s face dramatically changed color, and he hurriedly unleashed his full power in a palm strike, his purple palm force colliding with the cyan sword light.
Boom!
The sky turned a mix of cyan and purple in that instant.
A wave surged toward Shi Xiaole, which was shielded by his Sword Qi barrier and split to flow around him from every direction.
In the center of the surge, Shi Xiaole, holding his sword in both hands, had an expression of supreme indifference; he struck with another heavy, powerful blow, so swift it was nearly without interval.
"So close!"
The elder in purple, who had just narrowly escaped the Sword Qi attack, hadn’t caught his breath when he saw the second sword light coming down with an even more ferocious momentum. Terrified, his face went pale, and he could only muster seventy percent of his power to block it while hastily retreating.
Amidst the tumultuous forces, a sword light broke through everything. It wasn’t fast, only making the elder in purple’s actions seem slow, leaving him to watch helplessly as it pierced toward him.
"No... Ahh!"
A horrifying scream pierced the sky.
As they passed each other, Shi Xiaole sheathed his sword.
