Chapter 172: Mad Demon Bloodline Appears!

There were thousands of huge mountains behind the Sword Sect’s Floating Mountain. They were huddled together and stretched on for as far as the eye could see. The vastness of the mountain range made it a magnificent and wondrous sight.

Dawn.

Ye Guan was standing at the edge of a cliff behind Floating Mountain. He looked around and saw that the mountain range was being submerged in a sea of clouds. The mountains bobbled up and down, and one could hear the sound of metal clashing against metal from every mountain.

The rising red sun vanquished the sea of clouds.

It was peaceful and quiet.

Little Pagoda’s words yesterday had really struck a chord in him.

One’s Sword Dao only improves through comprehension and enlightenment rather than absorbing enough profound energy to make breakthroughs…

A swordsman couldn’t have any obsessions, as obsessions create inner demons. Some could subdue their inner demons and use them as the impetus for their rise, but most would get consumed and bound by their inner demons. They would get stuck in a prison in their hearts and wouldn’t be able to come out of it until they die.

Ye Guan smiled. He had finally figured it out!

The path to the summit of cultivation was like climbing a mountain. The higher one’s altitude, the harder the journey would become. Naturally, they would encounter many hardships along the way, especially against their own mental demons.

A cultivator had to be careful at all times, or their hearts would give birth to inner demons that would bring them down to the abyss.

One had to be calm and stay true to oneself.

Let oneself go and become as calm as a placid lake.

Ye Guan closed his eyes and opened his palms. The light breeze caressed him lightly, and it made him feel refreshed.

Ye Guan suddenly heard footsteps approaching him. He opened his eyes and found Chen Guanzi.

“First Senior Brother!” Ye Guan greeted.

Chen Guanzi examined Ye Guan from top to bottom and nodded in approval.

“Do not think too much into it. Be calm,” he said.

Ye Guan chuckled bitterly and said, “Senior Brother, you can tell?”

Chen Guanzi nodded.

He was the only one who could tell that Ye Guan was still a Sword Sovereign, and it was all because he was on the cusp of becoming a Great Sword Sovereign. In other words, he was the most familiar with what Ye Guan was going through at the moment.

He was afraid that the pressure would become too much for Ye Guan to bear, which would give birth to mental demons, so he decided to come here and give Ye Guan advice. Fortunately, it seemed that Ye Guan was in great condition.

It’s a great thing he’s okay. Chen Guanzi said, “Follow me!”

He turned around and left. Ye Guan followed closely behind him.

Every swordsman would bow toward Chen Guanzi upon seeing him. It wouldn’t take a genius to deduce that Chen Guanzi was truly a beloved disciple of the Sword Sect.

Chen Guanzi brought Ye Guan to a deep spot in the mountains. They had walked for a long period of time before they finally stopped in their tracks.

Ye Guan looked far in the distance and was surprised to see swords standing upright, stuck in the ground.

Chen Guanzi explained, “We’re in the Sword Tomb. The swords here were left behind by our Sword Sect ancestors. Disciples of the Sword Sect may come here and try to take these swords with them along with the inheritance within them.”

Ye Guan asked, “The ancestors…”

Chen Guanzi nodded and said, “They’re dead!”

Ye Guan looked around and reckoned that there were at least a million swords here!

There were many Divine-grade swords and quite a few Simplicity-grade swords in the tomb.

It was a terrifying sight to behold.

Ye Guan was shocked. “We’re at a tomb of a million swordsmen?”

A forlorn light flashed past Chen Guanzi’s eyes as he swept his gaze across the swords.

“Yes,” he replied.

Ye Guan asked, “Xuzhen World?”

Chen Guanzi nodded and explained, “The Xuzhen World claims the lives of many Sword Sect disciples every year since that war thirty million years ago.”

Chen Guanzi walked over to a huge boulder.

There were eight swords sticking out of the boulder. He crouched in front of the boulder and caressed it lightly before saying, “Senior Brother, Senior Sister… I’m here. Little Guanzi is here to see you guys.”

Ye Guan quietly stared at the eight swords.

Chen Guanzi’s back was facing Ye Guan, so Ye Guan didn’t see that tears had fallen down Chen Guanzi’s eyes. After a long time, Chen Guanzi said softly, “I used to be the youngest and the weakest disciple of the Sword Sect, but now, I’ve become the strongest disciple of the Sword Sect’s younger generation.”

Ye Guan remained silent.

Chen Guanzi slowly got up. He didn’t turn around as he said, “Junior Brother Ye, you may take any sword that you like here. You can also come here to train whenever you feel like it. The swords here are accompanied by their owner’s sword intent. You can communicate with them and learn things from them.

“You’re one of us, so our ancestors will take care of you.”

He opened his palm, and a storage ring floated over to Ye Guan.

The storage ring astonishingly contained thirty million immortal spiritual crystals!

Chen Guanzi said, “No one can do anything to you as long as you remain here in the Sword Sect. If you ever get disturbed, it means that the disciples of the Sword Sect have been annihilated.”

With that, Chen Guanzi hopped onto his sword and disappeared into the horizon.

Ye Guan felt warm all over as he stared at the floating storage ring. After a long while, he put the storage ring away and walked toward the Sword Tomb with his eyes closed. Chen Guanzi was right; the swords contained sword intent.

Each and every sword had its own unique sword intent.

The swords remained silent even after sensing Ye Guan’s arrival.

Ye Guan stopped in his tracks. He bowed deeply and paid his respects. “My name is Ye Guan, and I am a disciple of the Sword Sect. I pay my respects to all of you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters!”

He received not a single response.

Soon, the swords trembled, and strands of sword intent rose and enveloped Ye Guan. Ye Guan responded by taking a step forward and opening his palm, revealing his own powerful sword intent.

His sword intent as a Sword Sovereign rose to the skies!

Ye Guan bowed deeply once more and said, “Ye Guan greets my fellow senior brothers and sisters!”

Boom!

The Sword Tomb trembled violently as countless sword intent surged toward Ye Guan and engulfed him in an instant.

Ye Guan closed his eyes as he basked in the multitudinous sword intent.

Sword Dao Inheritance!

He already had his own Sword Dao Inheritance, but his plain-skirt aunt’s sword inheritance was too profound for him to appreciate and understand. On the contrary, he would benefit greatly if he were to receive the sword inheritances of the swords here!

The owners of these swords were Sword Immortals, at the very least, but there were countless Sword Sovereigns as well. Of course, there were also quite a few Great Sword Sovereigns.

Their knowledge of the Sword Dao was priceless to the current Ye Guan.

The sword intent of the swords entered Ye Guan’s sea of consciousness like a deluge. He clearly felt the Sword Dao of the Sword Sect ancestors, and they showed everything to Ye Guan without any reservations.

Ye Guan sat down cross-legged to digest the Sword Dao of the Sword Sect ancestors. He had been cultivating the Sword Dao using his own understanding, as his Master Pagoda only knew how to fool people.

In other words, Ye Guan’s knowledge of the Sword Dao was basic and shallow. It was the reason Ye Guan had been wanting to meet other swordsmen. He wanted to know just how they had interpreted the Sword Dao.

And it was the reason he had decided to visit the Sword Sect. He really wanted to have a deeper understanding of the Sword Dao, and he knew that he had to learn from others if he wanted to become a powerful swordsman.

Time passed, and Ye Guan eventually developed a new understanding of the Sword Dao.

Little Pagoda couldn’t help but ask, “What do you think? Can he make a breakthrough and become a Great Sword Sovereign?”

The mysterious voice replied, “I think it’s going to be difficult. Knowledge isn’t enough to cross that chasm, but it is possible if he manages to assimilate all the knowledge he just obtained while staying true to his own Dao and Sword Dao.”

Little Pagoda asked softly, “Stay true to his own Dao?”

“Yes!” said the mysterious voice.

Little Pagoda was silent.

The mysterious voice explained, “It can’t be helped because he has already formed his own Dao. Right now, he needs to learn from others, but he has to stay true to his own Dao. In other words, he needs to have what martial artists call a resolute Dao heart.”

“If he succeeds, it won’t be too difficult for him to become a Great Sword Sovereign. Otherwise, he will get influenced by the Dao of other people, just like what happened to your Young Master. I remember that he even had to start from square one just to create his own resolute Dao heart, am I right?”

“I think… Little Pagoda muttered, “I believe that he’ll stay true to his own Dao.”

“I think so, too,” said the mysterious voice. “His heart is as solid as a boulder. I doubt the Sword Dao of others are capable of influencing him.”

“That’s true.” Little Pagoda nodded before admitting, “Actually, I’m more worried about his bloodline,” Little Pagoda said.

The mysterious voice asked with curiosity, “Bloodline?”

Little Pagoda explained worriedly, “I thought Ji Xuan and Nalan Jia’s death would awaken his bloodline, but it didn’t happen. He really is different from his father and grandfather.”

“He’s so calm that I’m getting worried about just what kind of monster will appear once his bloodline has awakened. You know that the quietest and kindest people are often the scariest people once they’re pissed off, right?”

The mysterious voice fell silent.

Little Pagoda sighed before continuing. ”There aren't many people capable of suppressing the Mad Demon Bloodline, and I’m really nervous because we’re talking about that brat here…”

“Don’t worry,” said the mysterious voice. “I’ll suppress him by then!”

Little Pagoda was shocked. “Are you sure?”

“What?” the mysterious voice retorted, “Do you have a better idea?”

Little Pagoda couldn’t retort at all.

…

The Head Military Official stood quietly at a certain mountain peak.

Lu Tian was standing next to him.

The Head Military Official stared deeply at Lu Tian and asked, “Are you still confident about defeating Ye Guan now that he has become a Great Sword Sovereign?”

After a moment of silence, Lu Tian replied, “I can put up a good fight.”

He could put up a good fight, but he didn’t dare to say that he would definitely win.

The Head Military Official was silent for a long time.

“We must acquire the support of the four great aristocratic clans.”

Lu Tian remarked, “The four great aristocratic clans have yet to make a stance. They’re waiting to see what’s going to happen. I’m sure they’re going to support the winner in my fight against Ye Guan.”

The Head Military Official nodded. “I agree.”

“Tutor,” said Lu Tian before asking, “Do you have any solutions?”

The Head Military Official turned to Lu Tian and opened his palm, revealing a white jade bottle.

“Do you know what’s in here?” he asked.

Lu Tian shook his head with eyes full of curiosity.

“The Sword Master’s blood is in this jade bottle!”

Lu Tian’s jaw dropped to the floor as he stood frozen and silent.

The Head Military Official explained, “The Sword Master left behind a few drops of his blood during the great war at Xuzhen many years ago. His blood was distributed to a few demonic beasts as a reward for participating in the battle.

”The Sword Master’s blood is capable of enhancing the bloodline of just about anyone out there. My ancestor managed to get a drop of the Sword Master’s blood by a stroke of luck.”

“Tutor!” Lu Tian caught on to what the Head Military Official was saying, and he stared at the latter in shock, “You…”

The Head Military Official stared at Lu Tian and said, “The Sword Master’s Dao Imprint isn’t enough for you to acquire the support of the four great aristocratic clans. You need to have the Mad Demon Bloodline.”

Lu Tian’s voice was trembling as he asked, “Tutor… are you asking me to impersonate the Sword Master’s descendant?”

The Head Military Official nodded.

Lu Tian was stupefied.

The Head Military Official stared deeply at Lu Tian and said, “Those capable of achieving great things aren’t worried about such trivial matters. The Academy is divided, and it will continue to weaken until it is revitalized.

“You’re the Chosen One of this generation, and it is your responsibility to revitalize the Academy.”

Lu Tian cupped his fist, but he didn’t say anything in response.

The Head Military Official continued. “The Academy Master seat is guaranteed to be yours with the support of the four great aristocratic clans. Even if Ye Guan defeats you, the position will still be yours, and no one can challenge you.”

Lu Tian’s eyes narrowed, but he still didn’t say anything in response.

The Head Military Official added, “It’s your duty to revitalize the Guanxuan Academy and unite the entire universe as the Chosen One of this generation. And who has never used any means to achieve great things?”

Lu Tian closed his eyes. After a long time, he opened his eyes and stared resolutely at the Head Military Official before saying, “I understand.”

The Head Military Official nodded and said, “Your blood vessels aren’t strong enough to withstand this Mad Demon Blood, even though it’s just a drop.

”I will use a secret method to blend this drop of blood with your current bloodline, and then I will seal it. I’ll give you an incantation that you can recite in your mind to stimulate it when necessary. Other people will be able to sense the drop of Mad Demon Blood in your veins once you’ve stimulated it.”

Lu Tian nodded. “All right.”

The Head Military Official swung his sleeve, and a drop of blood flew out of the white jade bottle and struck Lu Tian.

Lu Tian’s eyes shot wide open. A wave of excruciating pain struck him, and he felt like his body was about to explode anytime soon.

The Head Military Official hurriedly used his secret method, and Lu Tian immediately felt better.

After a long while, the Head Military Official said, “Use the Stimulating Art!”

The Chosen One nodded and chanted the Stimulating Art.

His skin soon gave off a faint red glow. The Chosen One was stupefied to find that he was indeed giving off the aura of the Mad Demon Bloodline.

The Head Military Official nodded slightly and said, “Yes, that’s good enough.”

Lu Tian asked worriedly, “Are you sure that no one will suspect anything?”

The Head Military Official chuckled and said, “You’re the Chosen One, and you possess the Sword Master’s Dao Imprint. Who would dare to suspect you now that you’ve awakened the Mad Demon Bloodline as well?”

Lu Tian nodded slightly and no longer said a word.

The Head Military Official continued, “I’ve already contacted a few powerful clans and families, and they’ve agreed to support you. The Milky Way Clan and the Future Clan have also agreed to send their powerhouses to the Main Academy. Of course, the Immortal Treasures Pavilion has also offered to give us their full assistance.

“The best outcome possible is you killing Ye Guan fair and square.”

“What if I fail?” Lu Tian asked.

The Head Military Official’s expression remained unperturbed as he said, “It doesn’t matter; he’s still going to die.”

“That sounds great,” said Lu Tian.

The Head Military Official remarked, “The two of the biggest factions of the Academy are on the same boat as you, and they will not allow you to fail. I won’t let you fail as well. You have to become the next Academy Master!”

Lu Tian nodded once again.

“All right!” the Head Military Official exclaimed, “Let’s go visit the Yue Clan!”

“Will the Yue Clan support me?”

“They’ll definitely support you now!” said the Head Military Official before disappearing into the horizon with Lu Tian.

Moments later, a blurry figure appeared on the same mountain peak where the Head Military Official and Lu Tian had conversed just now. The figure’s gaze was filled with a cold and murderous light as they stared at the horizon.

…

Li Banzhi was busy working in the Guanxuan Committee Hall when a blurry figure abruptly appeared in front of her.

“Chief An You, you’ve worked hard!” praised Li Banzhi.

Li Banzhi had secretly transferred the Head of the Shadow Department, Academy Chief An You back to the Main Guanxuan Academy after she discovered the young man’s identity.

An You dropped everything in his hand and rushed to the Main Academy upon hearing Li Banzhi’s order.

An You asked, “Lady Li, are we going to take them down soon?”

Li Banzhi shook her head.

An You was confused. “Why?”

Li Banzhi calmly replied, “Lu Tian needs to defeat Ye Guan for the sake of establishing his fame, but he’s not the only one who needs a stepping stone. That young man needs a stepping stone as well.”

An You was stunned, but he eventually replied, “I understand!”

Li Banzhi asked, “How are the elites of the Shadow Department? Have they arrived yet?”

An You nodded and explained, “The Shadow Department’s three hundred thousand elites are on their way here from Xuzhen while making sure not to alarm anyone. It is impossible for an outsider to detect our elites, so please be at ease, my lady.”

Li Banzhi nodded and said, “I don’t dare to mobilize the Guanxuan Guards and the Dao Soldiers. The members of the aristocratic family faction and great clan faction have gotten far too deep into those armed forces, so I can only make use of your men.”

An You bowed deeply and said, “I am thankful for your trust in us, my lady!”

Li Banzhi suddenly asked, “How many people does he have around him?”

An You replied, “There are thirty-six Supreme Immortals, eighteen Dao Immortals and three Time Immortals around him.”

After a long silence, Li Banzhi replied, “They’re not nearly enough.”

An You was slightly stunned.

“Pass down my orders,” said Li Banzhi. She stood up and continued. “Get those from the Nether Palace to return at once!”

An You nodded and replied, “Yes, my lady!”

He was about to leave when Li Banzhi called out to him. “Wait!”

An You stared at Li Banzhi.

Li Banzhi said, “I want you to go to Xuzhen. Find the Yang Clan’s ancestor and tell her that their most outstanding talent so far has appeared. I’m sure she knows what to do by then.”

An You nodded. He turned around to leave, but Li Banzhi called out to him once more. “Tell Mu Tiandao to return and take charge of the overall situation. Tell him to restrain all the Heavenly Daos as well!”