Chapter 142: Chapter 139: Noon Has Arrived, Enter Sword Mountain Chapter 142: Chapter 139: Noon Has Arrived, Enter Sword Mountain It’s said that on Mount Shu, Enlightenment Dao revealed his understanding of the true essence of the Sword Dao by inscribing a huge Xia Dynasty Dragon Seal on the cliff face.

Aside from some scholarly immortals or great mystics, the rest were unfamiliar with the Xia Dynasty Dragon Seal, but those present felt its sharpness and the spirit and idea it conveyed, and they knew without being told that this character was indeed the character for “sword”!

Enlightenment Dao then sheathed the Seven Stars Sword and bowed, saying, “This poor Daoist has made his humble attempt.”

Although Enlightenment Dao’s understanding of the true essence of Sword Dao was not as profound as that of the Patriarch Song Lun, the character he wrote conveyed the essence more vividly and aptly than ordinary characters. It was woven with complexities surpassing even the Oracle Bone Script of Song Lun. Each stroke demonstrated a firmness and sharpness as if forged by divine swords.

“Daoist Enlightenment Dao, this character is extraordinary. May I inquire about its origin?” Green Duckweed Daoist didn’t think it was an exaggeration to say that the character could match or even surpass that written by True Man of Great Purity, possessing a unique flavor of its own that seemed to stand on equal footing.

It was also because Enlightenment Dao’s insight into the Sword Dao was not deep, and he did not possess as much mana as Song Lun. However, had he devoted himself solely to swordsmanship, the sword character inscribed with the Xia Dynasty Dragon Seal could have had a sharpness reaching up to the Nine Heavens, slaying any demons or spirits that dared to approach into ashes.

Enlightenment Dao then said, “In the times of the Xia Dynasty, when characters descended from heaven, the Human Emperor of Xia commanded masters of Daoist arts and skilled craftsmen to carve them on the Swallowing Dragon Stele. This character was derived from that stele!”

This character was oddly shaped, but while unusual, it gave a strangely logical feeling to everyone. It was normally strange, and there was no doubt—it represented “sword.”

Venerable Ape stared at the character, lost in thought and entranced to the point of bewitchment. Those who saw him couldn’t help but shake their heads and smile. This old ape was truly obsessed with the path of the sword; merely this character could send him into madness—probably even if someone attacked him with blades right then, he wouldn’t notice.

Green Duckweed Daoist bowed and said, “Thank you, Daoist friend, for leaving this character. Our disciples can come to comprehend many truths of the Sword Dao from it in the future.”

Enlightenment Dao responded, “No need to thank me! It is actually Patriarch Song Lun who is impressive. This character relies on the power of the Xia Dynasty Dragon Seal and not on my own cultivation or understanding of the sword.”

As this character was inscribed, everyone sensed the gradually increasing aura of sharpness in the valley, becoming almost piercing and rather uncomfortable. However, Venerable Ape seemed not to notice, still standing there entranced by the character, unreachable by anyone.

Enlightenment Dao’s action was also aimed at fostering good relations with Mount Shu. If any matter arose in the future, he could seek the help of the sword cultivators of Mount Shu. After all, Mount Shu’s strength was not weak; while it lacked a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal, it boasted about a dozen Daluo Golden Immortals, and you never know when a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal might emerge. In the chaotic era of the Three Kingdoms, where the enormous forces of Buddhism and Daoism collided, almost everyone else was cannon fodder. Being relatively weak, he needed to find ways to strengthen himself.

Green Duckweed Daoist didn’t bother with Venerable Ape and let him continue watching, leading the other Daoist friends to visit places like Sword Valley and Sword Spring. These places were quite remarkable, making everyone marvel at how extraordinary Mount Shu was.

After viewing the wonders of Mount Shu, the Sect Leader arranged accommodations for everyone, then took his leave, telling them to rest well. They were to ascend the platform for a ritual in three days, and if they needed anything, they were to summon the gate-keeping child.

Yang Jian glanced at the Daoist Equal to Heaven and transmitted a message, “You rascal, that Enlightenment Dao is your third manifestation, isn’t it? I remember you have a third Primordial Spirit, and the Seven Stars Sword resides with your true self.”

Daoist Equal to Heaven chuckled and did not deny it, only replying, “Brother Yang truly has the Wisdom Eye!”

Yang Jian said, “Then let’s see what happens when we ascend the platform for the ritual in three days, to discover what that evil creature looks like that even the collective strength of the Shushan Sect can’t suppress.”

Daoist Equal to Heaven then said, “It must be something extraordinary; it’s quiet until it shocks. I didn’t know that Shushan had such a thing until now.”

The three days passed not slow but swiftly. During this time, the various Daoists engaged in fruitful discussions and exchanges.

The child at the gate summoned all the True Men of Dao and Virtue to Mount Shu’s grand hall. Knowing that it was time for the ritual, they said little and followed the child out of their lodgings towards the grand hall of Mount Shu.

There, the plaza in front of the grand hall had already gathered nearly three thousand people. The highest among these disciples was of the Ta…

People of the Immortal Path, being inferior in realm by one major boundary, generally addressed their seniors respectfully, recognizing the primacy of earlier attainment in the Dao. However, proficiency confirmed seniority naturally.

All these three thousand sword cultivators were below the level of Daluo Golden Immortal, thus they collectively bowed and exclaimed, “Esteemed seniors, please enter the hall!”

This synchronized shout, thundering like a roar, flattered the True Men of Dao and Virtitude deeply, making them feel infinitely gratified.

Daoist Equal to Heaven couldn’t help but ponder inwardly, “In bygone days, when Spiritual Treasure was honored by the Sect of Interception, boasting of ten thousand immortals in attendance and ten thousand Buddhas in homage, seeing so many Daluo and Mixed Yuan Golden Immortals prostrated before him— how spirited he must have been? No wonder he attracted envy and assaults from All Saints.”

The esteemed True Men of Dao and Virtue entered the great hall, seated themselves, and were served a cup of Sword Tea. After consuming three cups, they then discussed the main matter at hand.

The sect of Mount Shu eschewed petty behavior, knowing Sword Tea was rare but essential in honoring significant aid. Concealing food and drink could be laughable among the venerable immortals, most of whom were detached from worldly desires due to their prolonged lifespans. Indeed, many a battle between high-level practitioners oft spawned from sheer pride; Ming River contended even with Laozi to save his face, illustrating the importance these venerables placed on their dignity.

Like the pepino of Zhen Yuanzi, yielding only thirty every nine thousand years, yet they needed to be generously offered to manifest the grandeur of the True Men of Dao and Virtue.

Green Duckweed Daoist announced, “My fellow Daoists, at the founding of our sect, our ancestral Patriarch, True Man of Great Purity, suppressed an evil entity within Sword Mountain. This entity is not trivial and is quite formidable. Reinforcing the seal might be extremely perilous. Cultivation is challenging, through three disasters and nine tribulations to achieve such cultivation is rare. Should any fellow Daoist cherish their life, I will not say more; all can understand. If anyone wishes to withdraw, it’s still not too late.”

A True Man responded, “Brother Green Duckweed, your words are amiss. Since we have been invited to assist Mount Shu, there’s no reason to think about retreating now. Since the evil entity was once suppressed by your ancestral Patriarch, it’s indeed not to be underestimated; likely it could wreak major havoc if released. As cultivators, we should use our utmost abilities to restore order, how can we be afraid of this entity?”

Green Duckweed Daoist thanked him with folded hands, “Thank you, fellow Daoists! If we succeed in this, Mount Shu will surely remember this great kindness and virtue. In the future, should you need the assistance of our sect, as long as it’s just, our three thousand sword cultivators at Mount Shu will certainly not hesitate to help!”

“Good! Brother Green Duckweed, you really are straightforward, matching our temperament. If we face difficulties in the future, we will inevitably seek your help.”

Green Duckweed Daoist announced, “At noon, when the clouds clear, all fellow Daoists will follow me up Sword Mountain to perform the ritual and once again suppress the evil entity.”

The crowd nodded in agreement.

Green Duckweed Daoist said, “Brother Enlightenment Dao, you possess the Seven Stars Sword, forged by Patriarch Laojun of the Great Purity Sect. To lead this assembly of swords, we must ask you to take charge.”

Enlightenment Dao replied with a smile, “Certainly, certainly! Whatever you instruct, Brother Green Duckweed, I will do my best.”

Green Duckweed Daoist continued, “I wouldn’t dare command, but at the time, listen for my signal and then use your Divine Skills to lift the sword and suppress the evil entity.”

Enlightenment Dao nodded in acknowledgment.

“True Man Chunyang Zi is also a master of the Sword Dao, long praised by many. Shortly, I hope True Man will assist Brother Enlightenment Dao in suppressing the evil entity,” added Green Duckweed Daoist.

Lu Dongbin’s Pure Yang Sword was quite formidable, forged by Donghua the Great Emperor. Although it could not compare to the swords of Laojun, it was capable of leading the assembly of swords. His personal mana being high, and situated within the Indestructible Realm of the Daluo Golden Immortals, teaming with Enlightenment Dao was particularly fitting, adding a greater certainty to their efforts.

Lu Dongbin affirmed, “Hmm, I’ve noted that, and will lend my support to Brother Enlightenment Dao when the time comes.”

He also knew that Enlightenment Dao’s sword, crafted by Laojun, was a Seven Stars Sword which his own Pure Yang Sword couldn’t match. In the assembly of Mount Shu’s swords, it wasn’t the person but the sword that commanded respect— a Divine Sword was needed for command, and the Seven Stars Sword was naturally unquestionable!

The genuine Seven Stars Sword ranked among the top three divine swords of the Taoist Sects, with the foremost being Leader of Heaven-Penetrating with the Four Swords of Celestial Slaying, followed by the Seven Stars Sword, and third, previously the Qingping Sword. However, since the Qingping Sword had been shattered, newly ranked third was Emperor Gongsun Xuanyuan’s Xuanyuan Sword.

With noon upon them, Green Duckweed Daoist led the fellow Daoists up Sword Mountain to suppress the evil entity.

Considering the ferocity of the evil entity, the outcome was uncertain. Please stay tuned for the continuation.