Chapter 20

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Chapter 20

Daoist Zhe struck his sword with all his might, and Xie Chang’an responded without reservation. She concentrated all her sword intent into her blade, then sent it forth through the Liutian Sword. Unlike Daoist Zhe, who merely slashed once, she sent both sword and sword intent together.

The Liutian Sword, carrying her will, transformed into a rainbow streak shooting toward the mountainside!

Daoist Zhe was slightly shocked, seemingly unprepared for Xie Chang’an’s ruthlessness, as if she bore some deep grudge against this mountain.

The two swords flew out in sequence—Daoist Zhe’s sword first cleaving through the mist, then the Liutian Sword’s light piercing through the gap, aiming directly at the spot on the Immortal Record where faint characters appeared.

Xie Chang’an had stayed on Chishuang Mountain for two years, spending half a year within the "Endless Night," which according to Zhu Xuanguang’s account, she had compressed into the equivalent of ten years of cultivation, totaling eleven and a half years of sword training.

This slash was the crystallization of the sword enlightenment she had gained in those eleven and a half years.

The ground beneath them trembled with a thunderous roar; even the pond nearby seemed stirred by the sword qi, waves rising a full zhang high. They hurriedly stepped aside, hearing the sound of metal striking stone as the sword light collided with the cliff face beyond the mist. Beneath two names on the Immortal Record, a faint sword scar truly appeared!

The scar was barely visible and was nearly erased by the swirling mist, but Daoist Zhe saw it clearly and would not mistake it.

He involuntarily took a deep breath.

Since ancient times, Mount Beihui Feng had suffered countless injuries by heavenly and human forces alike. Even great masters had tried to strike the Immortal Record, yet it remained intact, proving it was beyond mortal power.

Thus, despite Daoist Zhe’s boldness earlier, he never truly believed he could do anything.

How could a mere sword realm cultivator like Xie Chang’an leave a sword scar on the Immortal Record?!

He turned his head, looking at her with a strange expression, as if trying to read a secret on her face.

Xie Chang’an also saw the sword scar and was momentarily stunned.

Of course, she was not arrogant enough to believe she had done it purely by strength.

What was the cause?

The mist was usually impenetrable; she had only managed to strike the Immortal Record by taking advantage of the gap created by Daoist Zhe’s sword. The mountainside, neither metal nor stone, was far tougher than metal or stone, and no mere sword intent of hers should leave a mark.

Could it be the power of the Liutian Sword?

The Liutian Sword was originally the Liutian Saber from the Tang Palace, as well as the God-devouring Mirror.

...The God-devouring Mirror?

Many had said the Mirror had a mysterious origin. Could it be the reason?

Xie Chang’an pondered silently. Daoist Zhe said, “Countless people throughout history have failed to leave a mark on it; you have broken new ground.”

She shook her head. “It’s not my power. I poured all my strength into that slash; you saw it during our duel.”

Daoist Zhe frowned. The two looked up carefully at the Immortal Record but could discern no further clue.

“Well, since you can leave a mark now, when I reach the Sword Immortal Realm, maybe I truly can split open this cliff.”

After all this, he still hadn’t given up on destroying the Immortal Record.

Xie Chang’an was silent, then said, “All cultivators take pride in the Immortal Record. Daoist Zhe, why do you wish to destroy it?”

He glanced at her. “And you, why?”

She replied, “...For my master. Since traversing the Immortal Record requires passing a tribulation, and failure is possible, I thought that if the Immortal Record were destroyed, perhaps the tribulation would vanish.”

Though naive as a thought.

But—

Daoist Zhe: “That’s exactly what I think.”

The two naive souls exchanged a glance, finding unexpected kinship.

Since the Immortal Record was unharmed, lingering here longer was pointless. They soon descended the mountain and left. Since Daoist Zhe was also returning to Mount Fuguang, they traveled together to Yong’an Town.

Fang Qinglan had long awaited them there; Shen Xi and others gradually gathered as well.

Xie Chang’an introduced the not-so-friendly Daoist Zhe: “This is Zhe Ergen Daoist, a disciple of Master Canmiao from Mount Fuguang. He happens to be heading back to his sect, so we share the road.”

Daoist Zhe: ...

Senior Brother Liu chuckled, “Zhe Daoist is a memorable name indeed.”

Daoist Zhe slowly looked at Xie Chang’an. “When did I say my name was Zhe Ergen?”

Xie Chang’an was puzzled. “You said it yourself—you said you’re from Mount Fuguang, Zhe Er... I didn’t catch the last part because of the noise. Isn’t it Zhe Ergen?”

He ground his teeth. “My name is Zhe Er, no surname. ‘Zhe’ as in ‘break,’ ‘Er’ as in ‘widely known.’ It has nothing to do with Zhe Ergen. Don’t give me nicknames!”

Xie Chang’an: ...

Others couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

Zhe Er’s teeth grinding sounded even more pronounced.

Xie Chang’an felt awkward and looked up to the sky.

From Yong’an Town, traveling east for several days would bring them near the foot of Mount Fuguang, close to Lihua Town, where a teleportation array left by Mount Fuguang could send them directly to the mid-mountain sect gate.

Naturally, Zhe Er, as a disciple of Mount Fuguang, became the guide.

The journey was smooth.

Only Zhe Er’s bad temper from being called the wrong name soured the mood upon arrival.

...

All of Mount Fuguang was bustling.

Not just because of Fang Qinglan’s arrival—though he represented Chishuang Mountain and was an honored guest—but many distinguished visitors had come, including the leader of a sect in person.

Along the way, Xie Chang’an overheard Zhe Er and Yu Chunshan recounting some old stories.

When Master Canmiao and fellow disciples once descended the mountain for experience, they faced danger requiring a rear guard. Canmiao voluntarily stayed behind, giving others a chance to survive, finally escaping by her own strength. Since then, all disciples respected her; even Lin Mengdu, who opposed her, had no objections. This allowed her to lead the sect for many years without incident.

Master Canmiao was not only formidable internally but also just and magnanimous externally, befriending many across the world. Hearing of her impending life-and-death tribulation, many old friends traveled thousands of miles to come aid in her protection.

Such a person was undoubtedly well-liked, but no matter how well-regarded, she might not pass the heavenly tribulation smoothly. Thus, the hectic atmosphere at Mount Fuguang was tinged with anxiety.

Xie Chang’an and her companions were assigned to rest at the East Mountain Guesthouse.

During those three days, Fang Qinglan was often summoned to discuss protection arrangements. With nothing else to do, Xie Chang’an and the others wandered freely. Except for the main peak’s great hall and the back mountain, many places were open to those permitted by Mount Fuguang disciples.

As Master Canmiao’s tribulation day neared, more people arrived. Among those recognized by Shen Xi and others were Xu Weique from Beizhu Mountain, Bi Yangjun, leader of the Southern Yue Cave Heaven, elders from Yunsheng Jiehailou, and many renowned reclusive cultivators unknown to them.

Aside from Xie Chang’an, who hadn’t descended the mountain before, Shen Xi and others were not novices to the world, yet seeing so many Sword Realm and Sword Immortal Realm experts gathered together still left them somewhat awestruck.

Master Canmiao’s reputation was thus further confirmed.

Many came not for the sect leader but out of respect for Master Canmiao.

In the martial world, beyond strength, social graces mattered greatly. Senior Brother Liu and others were delighted by the scene, making friends with cultivators from other sects. Yu Chunshan enjoyed sightseeing, wandering alone among the peaks of Mount Fuguang, occasionally meeting like-minded companions.

Only Xie Chang’an and Shen Xi remained secluded for three days, treating Mount Fuguang like their own meditation chamber, hardly stepping outside their rooms.

Xie Chang’an wasn’t sure about Shen Xi, but she herself had never truly calmed to cultivate. This was partly because this was not her own domain, and partly due to her anxious concern over Master Canmiao’s tribulation. She tried to meditate to soothe her nerves.

Though not a disciple of Mount Fuguang, if Master Canmiao failed her tribulation, combined with the secret of Shen Liuzhi’s shattered sword light, Zhu Xuanguang’s path would be almost hopeless.

If Master Canmiao succeeded, her own master would have a glimmer of hope.

Day passed to night; three days flew by.

Master Canmiao chose dusk to face the tribulation.

At that time, swallows returned to their nests, rosy clouds glowed, and nearly everyone on Mount Fuguang gathered on various peaks around Lingxiao Peak.

Master Canmiao herself was on Lingxiao Peak.

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Years ago, Master Canmiao had reached the pinnacle of the Sword Immortal Realm and could no longer break through. Recently, she often felt as if her cultivation was about to overflow yet was blocked by a bottleneck, like energy flowing in but with no outlet, threatening to explode. The only way was to pass the tribulation and ascend.

She did not understand why Zhu Xuanguang, who had reached the Sword Immortal Realm peak long before her, could endure for so many years without ascending. She had once written or sent others to inquire but never received a reply. Zhu Xuanguang was always like that—he would not answer questions he didn’t want to. Master Canmiao stopped asking and spent most of these years in seclusion, striving to comprehend the key to the tribulation.

Whether or not she had succeeded, the tribulation was imminent, and she could delay no longer.

Master Canmiao sat cross-legged atop Lingxiao Peak.

Around her, fierce winds howled, swirling clouds raced, whipping her robes, yet her figure remained as immovable as a mountain.

The others dispersed on various peaks, watching from afar.

The distance seemed far to mortals but was but a blink’s span for cultivators.

During the heavenly tribulation, even helpers could not block all the calamities; too close, and they would be collateral damage.

Everyone waited.

Master Canmiao’s face was calm as she closed her eyes and formed hand seals.

“I, disciple Yuan Canmiao, having cultivated for many years, purified all false connections, transcended form to spirit, now unable to advance further in the mortal realm, having fortunately gained entry to the Immortal Record, humbly petition the Heavenly Way to grant me tribulation today, to pass my flesh and return all beings to truth!”

Her voice was soft, as in ordinary speech, yet carried a mysterious power, clearly reaching every ear present.

Clear and resolute.

Her words were transmitted through the Sword Immortal Realm’s spiritual power, transforming sound into runes, rippling layer upon layer, finally ascending to the ears of heaven.

Xie Chang’an keenly sensed the surrounding spiritual energy trembling slightly, as if heaven and earth responded naturally.

“Do you feel it?” Senior Brother Liu whispered timely, surely noticing it too.

The last glow of sunset faded behind a blue curtain. The sky was not fully dark, but ominous clouds gathered from all directions, as if an invisible hand drew them together above her head. Thunder rumbled closer and closer, yet no lightning flashed.

This gentle turmoil did not relax the crowd; instead, all tensed, holding their breath, eyes fixed on Master Canmiao. Her profile, hidden behind mountain foliage, was as serene and bright as the moon, revealing no emotion.

Suddenly—

A tremendous thunderclap!

Xie Chang’an looked up sharply, her expression changing.

She had never seen such a terrifying lightning storm.

It was not a single cloud or a few lighting up, but the entire sky above everyone’s heads, broader than Mount Fuguang, suddenly as bright as day!

Not only she but many masters present had never witnessed this.

“It has begun!” Fang Qinglan straightened and soared into the air.

As he moved, dozens of thunderbolts rained from the clouds. The three thickest struck directly toward Master Canmiao’s head; others scattered, striking Lingxiao Peak and surrounding peaks.

Accompanying Fang Qinglan were Xu Weique, Bi Yangjun, and others. Their task was to intercept the scattered lightning. The three crucial bolts could only be faced by Master Canmiao herself.

The lightning tribulation was not just thunderbolts; it also brought earth-shaking spiritual energy fluctuations, like dozens of Sword Immortal masters attacking Mount Fuguang simultaneously.

Mount Fuguang originally had a protective barrier, but under this tribulation, even the barrier cracked.

But this was only the first trial!

When Shen Liuzhi passed his tribulation, at the Sword Immortal Realm peak and wielding the White Rainbow Sword and the Chishuang Mountain treasure Nanhua Bell, he nearly failed midway.

Younger disciples with lower cultivation cried out, their voices rising and falling.

Because before they could catch their breath from the first round of lightning, a second round burst down!

Though its light seemed less intense and its momentum smaller, it was denser and more frequent, like a flickering celestial net aiming to trap everyone.

Without communication, Fang Qinglan, Xu Weique, and the sword cultivators simultaneously summoned their sword charms. Bi Yangjun and the martial cultivators drew weapons and treasures one after another. The peaks of Mount Fuguang shone in five colors, brilliance overflowing.

Third trial, fourth, fifth...

The pressure mounted.

Even with Fang Qinglan and others defending, Xie Chang’an and the rest felt waves of oppressive energy pouring down from above, forcing all into silence. They sat cross-legged, bracing against the tribulation.

Just before the fifth trial passed, Xie Chang’an seemed to hear a muffled sound near her ear. Her heart stiffened, knowing the protective barrier had finally shattered.

Mount Fuguang disciples were shocked. Lin Mengdu, equal in rank to Master Canmiao in the sect, waved his hand, seemingly using a treasure. A gossamer-like light covered the summit, just barely replacing the barrier.

But it could only hold temporarily.

Some whispered, “Should we retreat to the foot of the mountain?”

They did not qualify as protectors and no one forced them to stay. Yet the tribulation’s intensity dampened the crowd’s enthusiasm for witnessing. At the arrival of the eighth lightning trial, Lin Mengdu’s treasure failed again. Scattered lightning struck a disciple newly entered into the Sword Intent Realm, who screamed and plummeted down the cliff, perishing.

Witnesses were horrified and fled down the mountain.

Shen Xi’s expression darkened. He said to Senior Brother Liu and Xie Chang’an, “You go first. I will stay and support Master Fang.”

Among them, he had the highest cultivation and was Chishuang Mountain’s senior brother—his duty was clear.

Senior Brother Liu refused. “Our master is still protecting. As disciples, how can we leave alone?”

No sooner had he spoken than a lightning bolt struck near him.

The immense power crashed like a tidal wave, throwing everyone back. Liu was closest and could not block it with spiritual energy, instantly feeling chest pain and spitting blood.

This was only the scattered residual lightning’s power!

Everyone’s faces changed, realizing the pressure Fang Qinglan and others endured above.

“Go quickly!” Shen Xi commanded, voice sharp.

Senior Brother Liu and others hesitated no longer, hastily pulling Yu Chunshan away. If they were harmed, it would be minor; but distracting Fang Qinglan would be disastrous.

Only Xie Chang’an remained still.

“Why don’t you go?” Shen Xi frowned.

“My master is about to ascend. That is why I came. Shen, you are alone here; I cannot be at ease. If Master Fang commands, one more is one more to care,” Xie Chang’an said.

Her voice wavered, not from fear but because the tribulation’s spiritual shock scattered the air, and the howling wind fragmented everyone’s speech.

As they spoke, subsequent rounds of tribulation thunder rolled in, relentless, one after another, growing fiercer.

Many could no longer endure and descended. The peaks now held only a few figures.

Fang Qinglan and the protectors’ faces grew grim, some sweating profusely, hands trembling.

“Friends, your protection today will be forever remembered by all of Mount Fuguang. But now that the barrier is broken and my treasure damaged, the coming tribulation may harm the sect. To be cautious, I ask you to form a formation with me to shield it,” Lin Mengdu said.

He surrounded himself with three long swords, forming hand seals. The swords flew to Master Canmiao, creating a protective layer. But he himself had no shield; if struck by lightning now, he would surely perish.

Xie Chang’an glanced at him.

Rumors said Lin Mengdu and Master Canmiao were at odds, but they shared the same cause externally. If she fell, it would harm him too. His willingness to risk all showed the rumors had underestimated him.

At Lin Mengdu’s words, everyone formed seals, summoned treasures and weapons, making a barrier centered on Master Canmiao, protecting both her and themselves, while stabilizing Mount Fuguang’s fate.

Master Canmiao, the core figure, kept her eyes closed, seemingly unaware, but the hovering swords above her head blocked the lightning. The more intense the lightning, the stronger the sword light.

Shen Xi’s gaze lingered on the purple sword.

The blade shone purple, suspended unyielding under lightning, yet Shen Xi noticed tiny cracks forming on it.

The cracks lengthened and spread, merging into larger fissures.

...This is bad!

Shen Xi’s face darkened sharply.

The purple sword suddenly trembled violently, then—

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Under the fifteenth lightning trial, it shattered and exploded!

The sixteenth trial followed immediately, striking Fang Qinglan and the others’ formation.

Everyone felt as if struck by a heavy hammer, bodies shaking and faces pale.

A trickle of blood leaked from Fang Qinglan’s mouth.

Not only him; those forming the formation faltered, and one elder of Mount Fuguang even lost grip and fell, identified by Xie Chang’an as a Sword Immortal Realm cultivator.

She and Shen Xi had no time to think further and each summoned their sword weapons to protect Fang Qinglan.

In this dire moment, Master Canmiao suddenly opened her eyes, her wide sleeves stirring the air. Rising, she soared higher, hovering midair. She gestured with her sword finger, and ten sword energies condensed from clouds behind her, meeting the falling lightning head-on!

Shen Xi gasped, “Soul Fate Cloud Sword!”

Cloud Swords infused with soul power collided with the lightning, exploding in brilliant light!

Waves surged, and heaven and earth changed color!

In that instant, everyone instinctively closed their eyes.

The Cloud Swords neutralized the lightning, intercepting it higher up, sparing Fang Qinglan and Mount Fuguang below.

But the Cloud Swords dwindled, while lightning seemed endless.

Xie Chang’an’s expression grew grim. “Wasn’t it eighteen trials? This is already more than eighteen!”

Others noticed as well.

Everyone thought Shen Liuzhi’s eighteen trials were the limit, yet Master Canmiao faced far beyond that.

Could the tribulation’s difficulty vary per person?

“It’s no use. If this continues, all of Mount Fuguang will be destroyed!” someone shouted.

“Let’s retreat! So many comrades’ lives and the sect’s foundation are at stake!”

Though the lightning was blocked by the Cloud Swords, the aftershock persisted. The mountain’s stones and earth cracked. Xie Chang’an looked down and saw a peak’s summit sliced off, the entire mountain split down the middle, even the buildings on top divided.

The power of heaven and earth was terrifying.

Master Canmiao’s Cloud Swords were down to three.

Yet above, the sky was as bright as day, with countless lightning bolts yet to fall.

Fang Qinglan and the protectors struggled on. At this stage, withdrawal was no longer an option. Everyone harbored a trace of unwillingness, unwilling to fail at the final moment.

Catching sight of Shen Xi and Xie Chang’an, Fang Qinglan strained to shout, “You two, leave now! Quickly!”

Not a request, but an order. Blood again welled from his mouth.

Master Canmiao looked steadily at the sky.

She saw a crack.

It was the Heavenly Way’s way out.

At this moment, she could choose to ascend without regard for anything else. But if she did, the remaining lightning would surely strike those protecting her and all of Mount Fuguang.

Yuan Canmiao seemed to hear the Heavenly Way asking: Between enlightenment and the mortal world, which do you choose?

Those who attain enlightenment must sever worldly ties.

These ties included her sect and countless mortal lives.

This was the Heavenly Way’s test, forcing her to declare her sincerity.

Master Canmiao sighed.

She finally understood.

To reach the end of cultivation brought such a result.

She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, drawing blood.

One step forward would grant supreme power and freedom in the heavens, a seal of immortal.

She had prepared for this day a long time.

Mortals’ lives end; only further advancement is the lifelong pursuit of cultivators.

Master Canmiao looked back down; the struggling figures of her disciples filled her vision.

Her disciples had no prodigies. Without her, the others would be dominated or purged by Lin Mengdu’s faction, and a bloody storm was imminent.

She cared not for the sect leadership, nor the infighting she had long despised. If she could ascend and gain supreme power, she cared little for the chaos behind.

Thoughts surged through her mind. Within moments, only one Cloud Sword remained.

“Wait!” Xie Chang’an stopped Shen Xi from pulling her away, pointing at Master Canmiao.

“Look!”

Shen Xi looked up, stunned.

At the last Cloud Sword’s end, Master Canmiao soared toward the sky—

Not toward the crack, but boldly into the lightning!

“With my fall, may you all one day attain the Way, and avoid my tragic path!”

No mortal body could survive the tribulation!

Her body gradually vanished in lightning.

Only her echo lingered over Mount Fuguang.

Soul dispersed, no reincarnation.

Master Canmiao had made her choice.

Transforming herself into the calamity, she perished, and the tribulation ceased.

The heavenly lightning stopped naturally, and the gathering clouds dispersed in an instant.

Mount Fuguang was saved, and Xie Chang’an and the others were unharmed.

Yet all who watched her disappearance stood in silent shock, speechless.

Clouds drifted away, gold fragments fell, death and the loss of the Way left no trace.

On the Immortal Record, the two names envied by cultivators now remained only one.

The mountain wind brushed their cheeks, bringing cool night air. The ancient sect, standing for a thousand years, was now eerily silent.

Xie Chang’an suddenly understood why Zhu Xuanguang insisted she come to Mount Fuguang.

He wanted her to witness this nearly impossible tribulation firsthand.

Even if there was a one-in-ten-thousand chance, Zhu Xuanguang would not choose it.

Just like Master Canmiao.

Xie Chang’an seemed to hear Zhu Xuanguang asking her: Are you ready to bear the burden of the Ming Peak?

Bearing endless calamities, why did you seek immortality in the first place?