Chapter 31: A Single Sword Cleaves the Vast Sky

Not long ago, at the peak of Butian Mountain, within a cave dwelling at the summit.

In stark contrast to the bustling crowds and the myriad aspects of mortal life within Butian Mountain, the summit was characterized only by the rising and falling of clouds, existing in a state of transcendence, as if it had stepped outside the disturbances of the mortal realm.

Before a cliffside, two figures stood overlooking the sea of clouds below.

One possessed the white hair and youthful complexion of an elder, dressed in black and white Taoist robes, holding a whisk in his hand—looking exactly like the benevolent, kind-faced old immortals commonly found in mortal storybooks.

The other appeared to be a middle-aged man, who was speaking with a mischievous expression

"Butian, I heard you have been selecting a husband for your daughter recently."

"Why? Are you interested?" The Lord of Butian Mountain turned to look at the middle-aged man. "If it were a disciple from your sect, he might actually be a worthy match for Qian'er."

"Better not."

The middle-aged man shook his head. "I know my disciples; they are all silver-plated iron heads—all show and no substance. They wouldn't be able to handle your daughter. You'd better look elsewhere."

"Then forget it." The Lord of Butian Mountain shook his head. "In any case, I have already set my sights on someone. This person has practiced bitterly through three lifetimes, possessing excellent foundations of merit and cultivation. Not only does he have a thirty percent chance of forging a Dao Foundation in the future, but after learning True Person Panlong's 'Nine Transformations Dragon Transformation Art,' he will also possess the majesty of a True Dragon..."

"True Person Panlong? That can't be right."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man performed a finger divination, then shook his head. "Panlong Island has vanished without a trace, and the opportunity has been seized by someone, but it wasn't one of your disciples."

"It will be soon."

The Lord of Butian Mountain said indifferently, "I have already calculated who forcibly seized the opportunity and sent Yuanchun with men to handle it. It won't be long before things return to the proper track."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you really leave no room for survival." The middle-aged man shook his head upon hearing this. "The path of immortality is hard to seek; why must you be so harsh on the juniors?"

"One must occasionally give them a glimmer of hope. After all, the Saint Sect also needs fresh blood."

"I don't need you to teach me."

The Lord of Butian Mountain sneered. "If it were just that, I might not have acted. But I have calculated that the person who snatched True Person Panlong's opportunity is somewhat extraordinary."

As he spoke, the Lord of Butian Mountain's tone carried a hint of astonishment: "This person has only been in the sect for a few years, yet not only did he make a massive profit during the recent Death-Substitute Yin Puppet turmoil, but he has also practiced the Blood-Transforming Divine Light, forged a Sword Pill, mastered the sword techniques of the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion, and reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement..."

"Oh? Such impressive feats?"

The middle-aged man looked surprised. He then silently performed a divination for a moment before sighing in admiration, "I didn't expect our Saint Sect to produce such a talent."

Having said that, the middle-aged man was clearly intrigued.

"Come, come, point out the direction for me. Let us see what kind of bone structure he possesses. If his quality is good, perhaps we can refine a high-quality precious pill."

"That's simple. It's over there—huh?"

The Lord of Butian Mountain had been wearing a smile, but as he pointed out the direction and gazed into the distance, his smile gradually faded.

*Rumble!*

As the Lord of Butian Mountain's gaze fell, the massive Butian Mountain seemed to undergo an earthquake; at the edges, rocks even tumbled into the sea of clouds.

In a certain cave dwelling within Butian Mountain, Liu Xin lay prostrate on the ground, too terrified to even breathe, fearing he might draw the attention of the Lord of Butian Mountain.

"He's not looking for me, he's not looking for me..."

Liu Xin muttered desperately in his heart, suppressing his guilt and fear.

After all, that was a Foundation Establishment True Person. Even a single glance was enough to suppress and kill someone in the Qi Refinement stage, and his son was hidden within his Myriad Spirit Banner.

Once discovered, it would surely mean eternal damnation.

"Don't be afraid, I have the protection of a Divine Talisman. He cannot calculate me..."

Liu Xin's body trembled as he gripped a talisman he carried with him.

"Yuanchun pays respects to Master."

Lu Yuanchun coughed up blood as he kowtowed in apology toward the face in the sky. There was no joy of surviving a catastrophe in his heart; instead, he felt a profound chill.

The jade pendant that had broken through Lyu Yang's formation at the critical moment contained a strand of the Lord of Butian Mountain's divine sense. It was the greatest reliance for a Foundation Establishment disciple like him. Because it was difficult to produce, once used, it was almost impossible to replenish; it was practically equivalent to his life.

And now, it was gone.

Furthermore, in this instance, he had not only failed to help Junior Brother Zhao reclaim the opportunity but had even failed to protect him, leading to his unexpected death. It was a total failure.

With multiple crimes compounded, his path to immortality in this life was now hopeless.

"This disciple is incompetent."

Lu Yuanchun did not dare to speak or even explain. He could only choose to kowtow to the ground, waiting for his Master to kill Lyu Yang before his own fate was decided.

*Zheng—!*

At that moment, Lu Yuanchun suddenly heard the ring of a sword. The sound was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear and refreshing, making it impossible to ignore.

At first, the sound was like a trickling spring, tinkling softly. However, as time passed, the flow became increasingly rapid and violent, and the sound grew more deafening, eventually transforming into a roaring thunder like a great river, echoing through the heavens and earth.

Lu Yuanchun instinctively raised his head.

Then, he saw in mid-air a figure standing tall under the gaze of the True Person, his back straight, meeting the gaze without a shred of fear.

Beneath his feet was a surging river of sword qi.

The river was crimson, carrying a heaven-shaking murderous aura in its turbulence, yet it did not spread out. Instead, it continuously shrank and flowed back, finally falling into a delicate Sword Pill.

"What is he trying to do?"

Lu Yuanchun swallowed hard. He had actually guessed it, but he did not dare to believe it. Could there truly be someone so bold, someone who did not recognize the will of Heaven?

At the same time, the face in the sky seemed to realize something, and its brow furrowed

"You intend to strike at me?"

Lyu Yang's expression was indifferent. As the Sword Pill swallowed the river of blood, its sharpness pointed directly toward the firmament

"I request the Senior's guidance."

The face did not speak, seemingly disdainful of answering.

In the next second, Lyu Yang saw a black dot suddenly emerge in the sky above. It expanded rapidly, descending slowly toward him with the momentum of a collapsing heaven.

Only when the black dot drew close could Lyu Yang roughly discern its full form. It was a finger, descending from an unknown height, its skin patterns clearly visible.

Lyu Yang instantly had a moment of sudden enlightenment; this was the opponent's answer

*How can an ant know the height of the heavens?*

In an instant, a violent sense of crisis swept through his entire body, nearly freezing Lyu Yang's thoughts, as if an ant crawling out of a hole had suddenly encountered the blinding sun.

"You want to crush me with a single finger???"

Lyu Yang exhaled deeply. Suddenly, the true qi throughout his body began to burn violently. The Life-Killing Curse he had obtained in his second life was now being driven with his full strength.

At this moment, life and death were cast aside.

Lyu Yang's heart held nothing but pure rage.

In this life, I did not strive or snatch, focusing only on cultivation, yet you calculated my karma and sent people to steal my opportunity. When the theft failed, you actually took action yourself to kill me.

Talking about the karma of cultivation techniques, talking about how opportunities are predestined.

Am I destined to be a beast of burden, while you are destined to be high above?

"Kill!"

Lyu Yang opened his mouth, and the true qi in his chest transformed into a long howl. His full rage brewed into a streak of sword light, which slashed straight into the sky without deviation.

A silent collision, like the flickering of a candle flame. After a brief moment of brilliance, darkness swallowed Lyu Yang's vision, and then swallowed his consciousness.

(End of Chapter)