Feng Tianyao was truly about to cough blood from anger.

He, the young master of Southern Mountain Snow River, when had anyone ever called him useless!

Who would dare?

Even his parents had never scolded him so!

“This young master will fight you to the death!”

Feng Tianyao picked up Shuofang and slashed at Ling Luo.

Ling Luo welcomed this, raising her head with a smile to meet his attack, but an extremely domineering and forceful sword intent swept between them, dispersing their attacks and freezing them both in place.

On the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Platform, Feng Yunhong’s fingertips flickered with the luminescence of Divine Sword Intent.

Feng Tianyao gritted his teeth reluctantly. “Father! Let me go! She just insulted me! I want to fight her again!”

Yun Shouxi flicked his finger, shattering the sword light binding Ling Luo, and said to Feng Yunhong, “Today’s competition has determined a winner, more spectacular than ever before.”

Others began to smooth things over.

The Second Elder said, “This year, all sects have produced talented individuals. It’s hard to know whom to admire most.”

The Fuluo Gate Elder said, “One has learned the Divine Sword Intent, and one has broken through the Life and Death Boundary at such a young age. This old one wishes he could take such promising seedlings back to his sect!”

The Qingyang Sect Leader smiled. “I see you can’t compete with Sect Leader Feng and Immortal Master Canxi.”

The Taichu Sect Leader stood up, walking forward with a smile while making diplomatic remarks, and meanwhile giving the judge a look, signaling him to prepare the champion’s gift.

“In this Golden Luan Pool Banquet Meeting’s championship competition, Eastern Island Tianji’s Ling Luo is victorious! According to tradition, the top three competitors may stand before the Zhenxian Yu and attempt to draw the sword. Which of you two would like to try first?”

The Taichu Sect Leader smiled, looking down at the two.

“I will!” Feng Tianyao answered immediately.

Arguing with Ling Luo was one thing, but his desire to draw the sword was another matter entirely, the latter being far more appealing.

Ling Luo played with the wooden sword in her hand, stepping aside to let him try first, but glanced at Yue Liangze in a corner of the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Platform.

Yue Liangze was speechless, raising a teacup to his lips and pretending to drink.

Bai Zang was still asking him, “How did you know she had reached the Life and Death Boundary?”

Yue Liangze said, “When we first arrived at Taichu, I received one of her sword strikes at the mountain gate.”

The spiritual energy flow revealed in that sword strike allowed him to capture a familiar aura—one at the edge of the Life and Death Boundary, even ready to break through.

But Ling Luo herself had suppressed the breakthrough, waiting until today.

Everyone knew that after breaking through the Life and Death Boundary, one could not participate in the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Meeting’s competition.

Though Yue Liangze had seen through this, he said nothing.

At this moment, almost everyone’s attention was focused on the Zhenxian Yu. Year after year at Taichu, people attempted to draw the sword, but the results were always the same. Yet as long as no one succeeded in drawing it, infinite possibilities remained.

As time passed, people increasingly hoped to witness the miracle when it happened.

Even knowing Feng Tianyao couldn’t draw it either, they still couldn’t help wanting to see the moment he tried.

Feng Tianyao’s attempt to draw the sword was very ceremonial.

He wiped his face, then rubbed his hands together, centered his energy in his dantian, and respectfully extended his hand, slowly grasping the black sword hilt, feeling the coldness of the Zhenxian Yu.

Yue Liangze was also watching from below. He could even faintly hear the sword spirit’s voice.

Zhenxian Yu was again roaring the word “scram.”

Wusheng: Yes! Grab it! Insult it! It’s dirty! It’s been grasped by others! So filthy! Master would never want you! You’re not worthy of my invincible master!

Yue Liangze: “…”

Indeed, Wusheng’s arrogant shouting was the clearest sound.

If possible, the first thing Zhenxian Yu wanted to do upon release was to cut down Wusheng.

Feng Tianyao failed to draw the sword.

No matter how he steadied himself and exerted force on the hilt, trying to move it, his efforts were in vain.

Zhenxian Yu would not listen to him.

“How is this possible!” Feng Tianyao refused to accept it, determined to challenge this sword.

Tianjing Mirror mocked Shuofang: “Your master has his eye on Zhenxian Yu and doesn’t want you anymore, hahaha!”

Shuofang wailed: “Shut up! Stop talking to me! Aren’t you annoying!”

Feng Tianyao filled both hands with spiritual energy and grasped Zhenxian Yu again, trying to draw it, but still nothing happened.

The Taichu Sect Leader shook his head slightly. “It seems he is not fated for it either.”

Feng Tianyao cursed silently in his heart, pressing the sword Shuofang at his waist as he returned to the banquet platform with a black face. Having lost the competition and failed to draw the sword, the young master of the Feng family was deeply frustrated.

But after walking a few steps, he turned back to look at Ling Luo, pointing at her. “You try!”

He couldn’t believe this woman could draw the Zhenxian Yu!

Ling Luo had already had her fun and now had little interest in the Zhenxian Yu, not wanting to bother with it.

But not drawing the sword would arouse suspicion and doubt from all sides, so she walked forward casually, reaching out to grasp the Zhenxian Yu. As others held their breath waiting, she raised an eyebrow.

In her previous life, she had not succeeded in drawing the sword.

When she grasped the sword hilt, something unusual happened—a demon hidden in Western Sea Taichu appeared.

But before she could think further, the shallow Weak Water suddenly surged upward, forming a towering water screen that blocked the view from the banquet platform. A black mist struggled and dispersed in the Weak Water, gradually forming a human shape flying toward the Zhenxian Yu.

Feng Tianyao was stunned for a moment. The black shadow passed through him, and the cold air in the atmosphere was so intimidating that he couldn’t move.

“Who goes there!”

The Taichu Sect Leader shouted angrily from the platform.

Feng Yunhong flashed to Feng Tianyao’s side. When the black shadow collided with him, it scattered like mist, but another black shadow had already reached the Zhenxian Yu.

“Demon Breath?” Feng Yunhong said in a deep voice.

Someone on the platform exclaimed in shock: “How could a demon appear!”

Yun Shouxi unsheathed his sword, his sword light instantly cutting through the water screen, but someone had already reached the Zhenxian Yu before him.

The black mist figure extended a thin, white, eerily skeletal hand toward Ling Luo. In the eyes of onlookers, this bone demon moved too quickly. Even Yun Shouxi’s sword light couldn’t reach it in time. As others rushed down to the platform, Yue Liangze, who was the first to reach the Zhenxian Yu, instinctively drew the sword to block the attacker.

That immense greatsword, this Divine Weapon that had been dormant for a thousand years, that countless people had tried and failed to draw, that had silently witnessed the changing tides of worldly affairs—Western Sea Taichu’s foundation treasure, the Zhenxian Yu, was effortlessly drawn by this man, unleashing a sword momentum that swept across the entire Taichu.

The sword light bloomed brilliantly. The howling sword momentum caused the Weak Water to roar up, its flying droplets carrying the extremely domineering sword momentum, merging with the sword intent to become blades that could cut flesh, flying toward the bone demon.

Ling Luo was protected behind Yue Liangze. While others had to use spiritual energy to shield themselves and maintain their footing against the Zhenxian Yu’s domineering sword momentum, not a single strand of her hair was harmed.

Thinking carefully, across two lifetimes, this person had drawn the Zhenxian Yu because he rushed forward to block the bone demon.

The bone demon was shattered into mist by the Zhenxian Yu and disappeared without a trace.

The sword momentum of the Zhenxian Yu took a while to subside. The Weak Water, which had formed water walls, fell back down, making splashing sounds.

Many on the platform stood up in shock, their gazes trembling as they looked at the young man holding the greatsword below.

Yue Liangze stood against the light, looking back at Ling Luo behind him. In his hand was the complete Zhenxian Yu. Though half of it had been buried underground for a thousand years, it showed no decay, its luster fresh, black as a raven’s feather, naturally carrying a domineering and unrestrained air.

Yet he didn’t even glance at it, instead asking Ling Luo, “Where are you hurt?”

Ling Luo: “…”

There truly is no pain without comparison.

You’re asking where I’m hurt? Why don’t you look at the current atmosphere?

She said dryly, “My heart is hurt.”

Yue Liangze frowned, his hand gripping the Zhenxian Yu tightening: “Heart meridian?”

Ling Luo gritted her teeth: “You’ve drawn the Zhenxian Yu, stealing my spotlight, hurting my heart!”

Yue Liangze: “…”

Ling Luo nodded, gesturing for him to look at the atmosphere on the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Platform behind them.

Yue Liangze turned to look. Everyone seemed frozen by some sort of spell, but each pair of eyes was fixed on him, looking at the Zhenxian Yu, then back at him, shifting back and forth, incredibly complex.

Even his senior brother Bai Zang was stroking his chin thoughtfully, looking at him before finally giving him a thumbs up.

The Taichu Sect Leader’s throat bobbed as he momentarily lost his voice.

How is this possible… how is it him?

Song Yuanyuan was so excited she almost fainted. He grabbed the dazed Chang Fei and shook her: “Zhenxian Yu was drawn by my little father! Rounding up, Zhenxian Yu is practically my family heirloom!”

Chang Fei instantly came to her senses: “Holy crap?”

Xu Shen patted Song Yuanyuan’s shoulder and said, “Senior Brother still needs an adopted son. I’m available.”

Yue Liangze looked around, remained silent for a while, then expressionlessly stuck the Zhenxian Yu back into place.

Zhenxian Yu: “…”

Wusheng: “Hahahahahahaha!”

“Who… who is this person?” Feng Yunhong asked, looking at Yue Liangze.

The Second Elder hesitated, his gaze complex.

Bai Zang stood up and said, “Please excuse us. This is my junior brother, Yue Liangze.”

The people from the Twelve Great Immortal Sects had varied expressions upon hearing this.

They didn’t recognize Yue Liangze, but they knew Bai Zang, who had been in the world for a long time. Currently, the Immortal Leader’s Token is also under Bai Zang’s management.

Holy Sword Sect, disciple of the Strange Mercy Immortal Leader.

This identity was enough to make them wary.

“As expected of the Immortal Leader’s disciple, able to draw the Zhenxian Yu upon entering the world,” Feng Yunhong said flatly.

Bai Zang smiled and said, “We came this time only to attend Taichu’s Hundred-Day Banquet. The Golden Luan Pool Banquet Meeting was just by the way, with no intention of drawing the sword. Just now, when demon breath entered and created chaos, my junior brother was eager to save people and received an unexpected blessing.”

Other senior brothers would not dare to respond to the Sect Leader of Southern Mountain Snow River’s words, but Bai Zang, holding the Immortal Leader’s Token, could sit as an equal with the sect leaders of the Twelve Great Immortal Sects.

The Taichu Sect Leader had become somewhat anxious and directly asked in public: “Did you truly not know he could draw the Zhenxian Yu?”

Bai Zang walked leisurely down to the platform. “Great Sect Leader, if we had known, we would have drawn the sword for you to see on the first day we arrived.”

He said, “Taichu strictly controls the rules for drawing the sword, but in this vast world, there will always be someone who can draw it, it’s just a matter of time.”

These words had deep meaning. The people of Taichu who heard them couldn’t help feeling displeased, but due to this person’s status, they found it difficult to express their displeasure.

Ling Luo, however, thought he was right.

Zhenxian Yu was only left here when Taichu was established; it was not Taichu’s property. The founding ancestor had once said that the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Meeting was to find the true master for the Zhenxian Yu, but later generations had their ideas, gradually changing the rules of the Golden Luan Pool Banquet Meeting, strictly controlling outsiders’ opportunities to draw the sword.

It had already become something that Taichu possessed.

Zhenxian Yu could be [censored] and eagerly awaited being [censored].

But the person who drew this sword must be someone from Western Sea Taichu.

The Taichu Sect Leader’s breathing became slightly heavy, his hands tightly clenched inside his sleeves.

Chaos, chaos, everything was in chaos.

“Could you… draw the sword one more time?” he looked at Yue Liangze, his gaze heavy.

Yue Liangze said nothing but easily drew the Zhenxian Yu from the Weak Water again.

The Taichu Sect Leader took a deep breath, stepped forward, and slowly extended his hand, wanting to touch the Zhenxian Yu again, but was blocked by the sword’s momentum.

Zhenxian Yu had acknowledged its master.

The light in the Taichu Sect Leader’s eyes dimmed slightly. He clasped his hands toward the young man before him and said, “After a thousand years, it has finally found its master.”

Yue Liangze frowned and said, “I don’t need it.”

Zhenxian Yu’s heart was about to break.

Wusheng trembled but from excitement and joy.

“I am not fated for it.” Yue Liangze stuck the Zhenxian Yu back.

The light in the Taichu Sect Leader’s eyes flickered, and he was about to speak when Ling Luo quickly interjected, “Then you can also take it elsewhere.”

“Ling Luo,” Yun Shouxi said gently, “come here.”

Ling Luo fell silent and walked toward him.

Yue Liangze hesitated for a moment but finally didn’t change his mind, allowing the Zhenxian Yu to return to the Weak Water.

Ling Luo watched and cursed him as an idiot in her heart.

“Do you intend to leave it here?” The Taichu Sect Leader stared at the young man before him and asked, “Now this Zhenxian Yu can only be touched by you. Even if left here, no one else can move it in the slightest.”

Yue Liangze said, “I already have Wusheng.”

The scattered roll of Duanyi gently rubbed against the back of his hand.

Wusheng was overjoyed.

Upon hearing this, the Taichu Sect Leader turned to look at Bai Zang on the platform.

Bai Zang said, “His decision is what matters.”

The Taichu Sect Leader sighed deeply and bowed to Bai Zang again: “Today’s events were sudden, and I was offensive earlier. Please forgive me.”

“Not at all,” Bai Zang smiled, his eyes narrowing, jokingly saying, “I would also be upset in your position.”

The Taichu Sect Leader said solemnly, “Regarding the sudden appearance of demon breath, Taichu will thoroughly investigate, including the Qianzhuan Pills involved in this competition. Today the champion has been determined, and our founding ancestor’s thousand-year wish to find a master for the Zhenxian Yu has also been fulfilled. This is a great joy.”

“For this, we will hold a banquet at Chengshan Hall tonight, inviting everyone to share in the celebration!”

The Taichu Sect Leader had said everything, and others had no objections. Besides, they didn’t care about the Zhenxian Yu as much as Western Sea Taichu did. Having witnessed Zhenxian Yu’s emergence, they were all eager to tell others about it.

A celebratory banquet suited their mood perfectly.

The banquet was held at Chengshan Hall, the highest point of Western Sea Taichu.

From there, one could see the world’s largest cherry blossom forest at a glance.

Tonight there were two main characters.

One was Ling Luo, who had won the championship and broken through the Life and Death Boundary, and the other was the Holy Sword Sect disciple who had drawn the Zhenxian Yu.

At the banquet, many people offered toasts to Yue Liangze, including the Taichu Sect Leader and others, but he remained calm and said, “I appreciate the sentiment.”

Yet he didn’t raise his cup.

Bai Zang smiled and said, “Please don’t be offended. My junior brother only eats food he prepares himself. Even our master can’t do anything about it. If there are toasts, I’ll drink them all on his behalf.”

The various sect leaders and elders had different expressions upon hearing this.

Some were disdainful and displeased, while others were understanding and accepting.

But as Bai Zang had said, even the Strange Mercy Immortal Leader didn’t force him, so who else would dare insist that he must eat?

While others chatted, drank, and ate meat, Yue Liangze sat quietly beside Bai Zang with his sword in both hands, listening and watching, occasionally answering Bai Zang’s questions with a few words.

Ling Luo’s side was much livelier.

The sound of clinking cups was crisp and pleasing to the ear.

Chu Yi expressionlessly moved all the wine jars she had stashed behind the table to behind Yun Shouxi.

Ling Luo looked back, saw the wine was gone, and realized that to get it, she would have to go to Yun Shouxi. She immediately turned her head and glared fiercely at Chu Yi.

Song Yuanyuan at the end of the table secretly waved to Ling Luo. Ling Luo crouched down and went over, with Chu Yi pulling Zi Xiu to cover for her.

Chang Fei handed Ling Luo a small wine jar and asked in a low voice, “Ling Luo, can you ask for me, does your senior brother still need an adopted son? It doesn’t have to be too demanding; free-range is fine. It’s not for the family heirloom Zhenxian Yu, just feeling that at this stage of life, I’m missing a little father.”

Ling Luo held the wine jar and stared at him, “What adopted son? Doesn’t he already have Song Yuanyuan? Why don’t you ask if I need one? Is the champion not better than drawing some broken sword? Are you looking down on me!”

Chang Fei was confused by her barrage of questions and stammered, “T-then do you need one?”

Ling Luo glared at him: “Do I look like I need one?!”

Chang Fei turned and cried, hugging Xu Shen.

Xu Shen ignored him and seriously offered a cup of wine to Ling Luo: “Mother.”

Ling Luo: “…”

Song Yuanyuan criticized, “Even I can’t bear to watch this!”

His words immediately earned contemptuous looks from the three.

You started it in the first place!

The night’s feast lasted for a long time.

Some people returned to rest, while others went to view the cherry blossoms. It was a long time before they dispersed, and Taichu finally became quiet.

Ling Luo lay in bed after washing up. Just as she closed her eyes, she remembered Yue Liangze drawing the Zhenxian Yu earlier that day.

He didn’t want the Zhenxian Yu, but others had a thousand different thoughts about it.

Tonight the Zhenxian Yu would be “stolen,” and tomorrow he would not be able to prove where he was or what he was doing alone at the time. He had been heavily mocked by some of the immortal sects.

She reluctantly opened her eyes, got up, and went to knock on Chu Yi’s door.

“Senior Brother.”

Chu Yi asked lazily from inside, “What is it?”

Ling Luo said, “Let me borrow your sword.”

The window opened and closed quickly, and Chu Yi’s sword, Heiyu, was thrown out.

“Return it to me in the morning.”

Chu Yi didn’t care what she was up to; he was exhausted after drinking.

Ling Luo took the sword and went to find Yue Liangze.

There was no one in the courtyard across the way, so she went to the cherry blossom forest.

Yue Liangze had been dragged by his senior brother Bai Zang to view the cherry blossoms, but Bai Zang had gotten caught up in conversation with his drinking companions and lost track of his junior brother during the excursion.

He stood alone by the river in the cherry blossom forest, waiting for his senior brother to return.

Yue Liangze never imagined he would wait all night here.

Bai Zang also couldn’t imagine his junior brother would be so straightforward.

As Yue Liangze stood holding his sword in meditation, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to look and saw Ling Luo carrying a sword, walking down the mountain path amidst falling flower petals.

Ling Luo was about to speak but paused, raising an eyebrow as she looked down.

From the shadowy path to Yue Liangze’s left, a slender figure slowly emerged.

The moonlight made his complexion appear even paler, with a touch of eeriness.

The illegitimate son of Northern Pavilion Moon Palace.

What was he doing here?

Before Ling Luo could figure it out, she saw Mu Xujing, walking toward Yue Liangze, drawing the sword at his waist.

It was no longer an ordinary sword.

In the next moment, his figure had flashed to the riverside among the cherry trees. Yue Liangze also blocked this attack with Wusheng.

Mu Xujing moved quickly, and his techniques varied. The sound of clashing swords filled the cherry blossom forest.

Compared to when he competed with Ling Luo, his speed and techniques had improved significantly.

When Yue Liangze looked up, the second sword of the night entered his vision, forcefully and domineeringly cutting across to repel the sword coming at him.

Ling Luo pointed her sword at the repelled Mu Xujing and arrogantly said, “What are you doing? I was here first.”