Immortal of the Ages

"Yun Xiao!" The youth emerged from the Spirit Treasure Walk, and barely stepping into the shadows, someone called out his name.

"Elder Wang?" Yun Xiao swiftly melted into the darkness, holding his tongue, he guided Elder Wang to an even more secluded spot.

"The Sea of Swords is rather perilous, what brings you to seek me here?" Yun Xiao inquired.

"Your Senior Sister Zhao was worried about you," Elder Wang, slapping a friendly hand onto his shoulder, confided with a hint of admiration. "She sent me to scout for information. And I tell you, I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t come—what a shock it was to hear of your exploits! How many days have you been in the Sea of Swords? Truly like a young cow controlling a grand sword—you’ve remarkably soared to impressive heights!"

"..." Yun Xiao didn't know how to respond. Still, he was concerned Zhao Xuanran might have encountered problems while descending to the mortal realm to exterminate demons! He hoped she was safe.

"Oh, how is my master doing?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Your Aunt Yu says he’s managing," Elder Wang replied. "Perhaps because his spirits are lifted, having something to look forward to, his willpower has strengthened too! Take your time, he can wait for you for ten days, even half a month!"

"Oh? Then let’s wait for the free Sword Tempering Pills!" Yun Xiao chuckled. That would save him 2,000,000 Spirit Stones.

"There's free ones?" Elder Wang's face mirrored his curiosity.

"Yes! Someone's insisting on stuffing them into my pocket. We shouldn’t be too polite as people, right?" Yun Xiao responded with a smile.

"Oh!" Elder Wang, a bit perplexed but displaying concern on his face, earnestly asked, "Yun Xiao, I just heard that Ye Guying is coming out of seclusion the day after tomorrow. His combat power might be comparable to the Sword Lord or the Tower Lord now!"

"Even you’ve heard about it?" Yun Xiao responded coolly.

"The entire Sea of Swords is buzzing about it," Elder Wang gritted his teeth, "Do you have confidence? If not, you might lay low for a while. After all, we think you're ten thousand times more remarkable than Ye Guying!"

"Ha ha." Yun Xiao suddenly laughed, "Lay low? No, no. Isn’t he only opening the Heavenly Gate to come out the day after tomorrow? I have already prepared a special surprise for him."

"Special surprise?" Elder Wang paused, befuddled.

"What’s that?"

"You’ll know if you come to watch when the time comes."

After speaking, Yun Xiao waved goodbye and, clutching the map in his hand, his white robe vanished into the darkness, leaving behind a single sentence.

"I'm off to prepare the package now, see you later!"

▬ι══🪦✧⚰️✧🪦══ι▬

In the Sea of Swords, in the courtyard of the Duanmu Manor, two elders were deeply engrossed in a game of chess.

To the left sat a hunched-back old man, and to the right, an elderly gentleman with gleaming white eyebrows and a bald pate. They were both in the Sovereign Dragon Realm, Great Elders of the Forbidden Tower—Duanmu Yao and Yan Guo. Their aura was profound, mystical energy coiling like dragons around them. Their eyes, sharply discerning, handled each chess piece as if gripping a ferocious beast, placing it on the board. The small chessboard resembled a battlefield, where the heavens and earth seemed to crumble amidst the slaughter of war.

Time meandered by.

“Brother Duanmu, your chess skills are extraordinary. I'm in awe,” Yan Guo commended with a polite bow and a smile.

“Brother Yan, your strategy, though fresh from recent learning, is quite admirable indeed!” Duanmu Yao laughed heartily.

“Shall we conclude tonight’s game?” Yan Guo asked.

“Hmm!” Duanmu Yao lifted his head. “The moonlight is quite fine. Shall we have a few drinks first?”

“Agreed.” Yan Guo’s face brightened with a rosy hue, for he indeed enjoyed a good tipple.

Under the moon, the old friends sipped their wine, savoring the leisure and contentment of these smaller moments in life.

“After the substantial loss we suffered at the Spirit Treasure Walk yesterday, and the numerous insults to our dignity by Sword Heaven, the Tower Lord has yet to show any response. This is not right!” Yan Guo's eyes held a distant depth as he broached the topic.

“What's truly intolerable was the incident at Azure Kite Sea. That’s something we of the Forbidden Tower simply cannot accept!” Duanmu Yao declared calmly.

“Yes!” Yan Guo gazed toward a distant, chilly tower. “In two days, Ye Guying will emerge from seclusion, attaining the combat power equivalent to the Tower Lord. We shall endure silently for two more days!”

“After tonight, there'll be one day left,” Duanmu Yao stated.

“It will pass in the blink of an eye,” Yan Guo said.

“Brother Yan, do you think that after Ye Guying eliminates that Yun Xiao, the Tower Lord will seize the opportunity to take down Sword Heaven and kill Lin Qingfeng?” inquired Duanmu Yao.

“I can’t quite figure them out,” Yan Guo replied.

“How so?”

“For years, the relationship between the Tower Lord and his brother-in-law seemed ordinary on the surface, but I believe it must be quite good behind closed doors, right? They’ve consented to several unions among the younger generation recently. Lin Qingfeng suddenly making such a move… it's too peculiar,” Yan Guo shared.

“I don’t quite understand the Sword Lord! After staying secluded and simple for over a decade, he's bound to have some eccentricities!” Duanmu Yao turned towards Yan Guo and suddenly spoke with solemnity, “There’s something I’m not sure whether I should mention.”

“Speak, Brother, we have a relationship forged in life and death,” Yan Guo reassured.

“The Tower Lord increasingly disregards us, making all decisions unilaterally, lofty and distant, leaving us to guess!” Duanmu Yao sighed.

“I’ve also sensed it,” Yan Guo murmured, his gaze deep and far-reaching, “Is it because, over these years, the growth of our family’s power has squeezed the Xiao Family’s financial space?”

“It seems so!” Duanmu Yao asserted.

"There's no helping it; we can't just not make money, can we? We're all one big family here, all waiting for our share of demon bones, Spirit Stones, and treasure armors!" Yan Guo spoke with a light indifference.

"True! But no matter what, we're backed by the Forbidden Tower, sharing its benefits! Once Ye Guying deals with Yun Xiao, he will participate in the War of Immortals. With his talents, he's bound to capture the attention of the Heavenly Realm’s mighty beings and forces; I doubt he'll return. If the Tower Lord wants to suppress the Sea of Swords, we'll still be of great use," Duanmu Yao added unassumingly.

Usefulness meant not getting kicked to the curb!

"Returning to the previous topic, with Lin Qingfeng making such a fuss, will the Tower Lord kill his brother-in-law?" Yan Guo asked.

"We can only wait and see!" Duanmu Yao flashed a cold smile, "But whether he kills him or not, this time, he is sure to subdue Sword Heaven!"

"When the news of Ye Guying achieving the Sovereign Dragon Realm in eight days reaches Sword Heaven, those ancient ancestors and Great Sword Venerables will probably lose sleep, hehe..." Yan Guo’s sinister chuckle lingered.

Just as the echo of his voice faded, two young men entered.

"Grandfather!" Both bowed in greeting.

It was Duanmu Ling and Yan Ding, the two Heaven Chosen of the Forbidden Tower.

They had just returned from the Spirit Treasure Walk!

"What's the matter?" Seeing their gloomy expressions, Duanmu Yao inquired.

"We encountered Yun Xiao at the Spirit Treasure Walk!" Yan Ding, clenching his teeth, flames seemingly flickering in his eyes, narrated the encounter.

After listening, Duanmu Yao nodded, "You responded well. The path of cultivation is filled with countless strong individuals. Avoid verbal disputes, bow your head when you should; living is of utmost importance!"

"Otherwise, you’ll meet the same fate as Fan Jian and Xiao Xing'er." Yan Guo added, his voice grave.

"Grandfather, but I still feel suffocated!" Duanmu Ling, fists clenched, eyes fierce, confessed.

"In two days, Yun Xiao and Sword Heaven will surely pay the price," Duanmu Yao assured.

"In this cultivation journey, not every enemy must be confronted by you personally. You have your clans, your elders, and the invincible Forbidden Tower as your backing. You can flexibly respond and bully others by relying on our power, understand?" Yan Ding imparted with earnest gravity.

"We understand!" Hearing this, the young men felt slightly better, momentarily forgetting the day’s humiliation.

Just then, a middle-aged Sword Cultivator hurriedly entered to report!

"Elders, Yun Xiao is here, challenging us outside our Duanmu Manor!"

"Challenging? How many with him? Any powerful beings from Sword Heaven present?" Duanmu Yao asked sternly.

"None! Just him alone!"

"He dares come to the residence of the Forbidden Tower's Great Elders alone?" Duanmu Yao and Yan Guo exchanged a glance.

"How is he challenging us?" Yan Guo asked with a dark tone.

"He said, he said—-" The middle-aged sword cultivator’s face twisted with indignant fury, his words momentarily stifled by his own rage.

“Speak!” demanded one of the elders.

“Yun Xiao shouted for all 170 members of the Duanmu Manor to get the hell out here and face him!” the man eventually spat out, anger and disbelief saturating each word.

“What utter nonsense!” Both Yan Guo and Duanmu Yao's faces darkened simultaneously.

Teeth gritted, the middle-aged man continued, “He demands we promptly exit our abode to meet our demise, claiming he’ll eradicate us on behalf of Sword Heaven! Several who confronted him have already fallen to his sword, their heads now crushed beneath his feet!”

“To hell with him!” Yan Ding couldn’t hold back a growl. “Grandfather, he’s just one man, daring to threaten all of Forbidden Tower into staying indoors—we’ve been patient! And now he dares to come here, alone, and attack us! Does he truly believe that Forbidden Tower won't exterminate him? Even if Ye Guying wanted to kill him personally, can’t we disable him first?”

“If we allow him to continue his raucous ruckus outside our Duanmu Manor without responding, where does that leave the face of the Forbidden Tower? The Sword Cultivators throughout the Sea of Swords will die laughing at us!” Duanmu Ling was similarly unable to bear it any longer.

“Grandfather! Yun Xiao doesn’t know you’re here. The two of you are Sovereign Dragon Realm Sword Cultivators, seasoned and proficient in combat with numerous kills under your belts. You could join forces and deal with him, then directly deliver him to Ye Guying’s doorstep!” Yan Ding's eyes were bloodshot as he spoke to Yan Guo.

To not only restrict their movements but also audaciously challenge them at their own doorstep, this was an egregious affront! And crucially, it was done by just one man!

The two young men fixed hopeful eyes upon their elders.

However, Duanmu Yao’s next words were like a basin of cold water dousing their heads!

“If he has such courage, he must be confident in his own strength! I predict that he’s even stronger than the one he killed during the day, Lin Chen. If so, should Brother Yan and I act rashly, we'll most likely meet our demise!” Duanmu Yao declared.

“Is that even possible?” Duanmu Ling was momentarily stupefied. It seemed that his grandfather was indeed more patient than him.

“You, go and send a message! Notify the Tower Lord and the other elders, have them come here quickly!” Yan Guo ordered the middle-aged man.

“Yes!” The sword cultivator hurried off to make the arrangements.

“Let’s go meet this Sword Heaven prodigy,” Duanmu Yao and Yan Guo exchanged glances.

By the time the two Sovereign Dragon Realm Great Elders arrived outside the manor, a crowd of Duanmu Sword Cultivators had already gathered at the entrance. Their eyes roiling tempests of murderous intent, they stared at the young man in white outside their gates.

Beneath the young man’s foot, several severed heads were cruelly trampled! All the fallen belonged to the Duanmu Manor! One was even the younger brother of Duanmu Ling!

“Oh? There’s another Great Elder here as well? Might I inquire as to your name?” Yun Xiao cast his gaze toward the bald, white-eyebrowed old man.

“Yan Guo,” the Great Elder responded curtly.

"I see!" Yun Xiao's gaze swept over them coldly. "The Forbidden Tower has declared war on Sword Heaven! As a member of Sword Heaven, I share no sky with the Forbidden Tower! Today, I’ve come to Duanmu Mansion to conduct a blood sacrifice..."

His proclamation was cut short by Duanmu Yao, who interrupted with a chuckle, announcing loudly, "I was wondering who it could be, turns out it’s the talented Young Sword Lord from Sword Heaven. I've long heard of the Young Sword Lord’s emperor-like qualities; seeing you today indeed proves you're extraordinary."

Yan Guo also joined in with a smirk, "Today, with the Young Sword Lord gracing us, Duanmu Mansion is illuminated with glory! Young Sword Lord, please come inside!"

"..." Yun Xiao stared at them, incredulous. Those two scoundrels, always playing out of turn. Ruining my Dao heart!

With a nonchalant kick, Yun Xiao sent the head of Duanmu Yao’s grandson rolling to his feet, asking, "Are you sure you want to entertain me?"

Unfazed, Duanmu Yao stepped on the head with no change in his expression, awkwardly smiling, "Having the honor to host the Young Sword Lord is my pleasure!"

"Alright, then entertain away. Bring out all the finest food and drink!" Yun Xiao replied with a faint smile.

"What are you all standing there for? Show your respect!" Duanmu Yao bellowed at those nearby.

"Yes..." Yan Ding, Duanmu Ling, the two Heaven Chosen of the Forbidden Tower, along with a host of Duanmu Sword Cultivators, suppressed their inner fury. Bowing their heads, they forced smiles onto their faces, greeting, "Welcome Young Sword Lord!"

"Your politeness honors me, brothers," Yun Xiao responded, entering Duanmu Manor at their invitation.

BANG! The grand doors of Duanmu Manor closed tightly. The gathered Duanmu family members stood, thoughts lingering on the severed heads outside. They suppressed their murderous intentions with all their might.

"Nobody move! Wait for others!" Duanmu Ling took a deep breath, speaking to the others with a face turning from purple to blue.

Before his words fully settled, his grandfather's voice rang out, "Lil Ling, Lil Ding, come in and pour the wine!"

"Yes!" Upon entering the guest hall, Duanmu Ling and Yan Ding saw Yun Xiao seated prominently at the head of the room, while their grandfathers, respected elders of the Forbidden Tower, waited below.

Their faces twisted yet still, they managed to maintain smiles, pouring a full cup for Yun Xiao.

"Young Sword Lord! Please!" Duanmu Ling said.

Yun Xiao gave them a cursory glance, "A full cup, are you implying you want me to leave?"

"I was wrong!" Duanmu Ling hastily swapped for a different cup, pouring again.

Yun Xiao abruptly stood, slapping Duanmu Ling atop his head. Duanmu Ling cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees!

"Where are your manners? Don't you know how to kneel while offering a drink?" Yun Xiao said.

"You!" Rage boiled in Duanmu Ling's heart, but seeing his grandfather shaking his head, he swallowed it down, forcing a smile, "Young Sword Lord, my apologies, please drink."

"That’s more like it." Yun Xiao then turned to Yan Ding.

Yan Ding took a deep breath, also kneeling down.

"Young Sword Lord, these young ones aren’t ready for the stage. How about the two of us elders keep you company until we're all thoroughly intoxicated?" Duanmu Yao asked with a smile.

"Get lost. Who wants to drink with an old thing like you?" Yun Xiao threw the wine pot at Duanmu Yao’s face, jeering, "Not an ounce of perception. Hurry up and arrange some girls for me! Don’t bring any old hags either!"

JustLivingJL's Thoughts