Hong Xian and his subordinates were momentarily taken aback.

Why was the Fourth Princess calling for him now? Could it be that his inaction had upset her?

Hong Xian quickly gathered his thoughts and cupped his hands. "Please lead the way."

Before long, the maid led him to a high platform. As soon as Hong Xian arrived, he was taken aback by the gathering of individuals present—the eldest son of the Heavenly King Zhen Manor, Gai Hong; the second daughter, Gai Yunnuo; Bai Qingming from the Void Immortal Sword Sect; Chen Mang, the eldest son of the Corrosion Dragon King Manor; Ji Liang, the ninth prince from the Nine Generation King's Manor.

Ji Liang was standing next to a young man with a tall and upright posture, exuding a strong presence. This was none other than Ji Jing, the eldest son of the Nine Generation King's Manor.

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

In addition, there were also exceptional talents from immortal courts and manors such as the Green Elephant Sect. Counting them carefully, there were over seventy individuals, each one capable of making ordinary cultivators look up to them for a lifetime.

Hong Xian noticed that this place had a clear line of sight, allowing them to see what was happening below, including Fang Chen who was currently performing the sword dance.

"This humble servant greets the Fourth Princess." Hong Xian performed a respectful bow. "May I ask why you have summoned me?"

The Fourth Princess said indifferently, "It wasn't me who called for you."

It wasn't the Fourth Princess that called for me?

Hong Xian was momentarily stunned, only to see two figures approaching slowly. One was none other than Sword Leader Yan Kun from the Kunlun Sword Sect.

However, Hong Xian didn't have a reaction until he saw who the second figure belonged to. He began to tremble and immediately knelt down. "I, Yongan City Left Patrol Commander Hong Xian greet His Royal Highness!"

Central Continent Empire Crown Prince, Xun Ye!

Hong Xian felt a surge of panic within him. He was well aware that this prince had been in closed-door training for many years, and his appearance was as elusive as a dragon—seeing him was even harder than encountering various Immortal Kings. Yet now… the crown prince had unexpectedly appeared here and summoned him. Could it be…?

"Hong Xian, a descendant of the Hong family." Xun Ye nodded lightly, his gaze indifferent. "Do you know why I called you here?"

Hong Xian felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. "I-I dare not speculate."

"Hmm, just wait to the side." Xun Ye nodded slightly, then smiled at Sword Leader Yan Kun. "Brother Yan, let's appreciate Sword Leader Fang's sword dance together."

Yan Kun nodded in agreement. "Of course."

The two moved to the railing side by side, looking down at the scene below. The crowd naturally followed, gathering to watch what was happening below.

Hong Xian was already drenched in cold sweat, fully aware that the crown prince had just issued him a warning.

Bai Qingming slowly walked up to Hong Xian, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a gentle smile, "I'll tell you this: if the Void Immortal Sword Sect loses face today, even if you become a general, I will still keep a close watch on you."

Hong Xian's expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to offer an explanation, he saw Bai Qingming move toward the crowd to join them in watching the spectacle below.

Xu Qingsong turned his gaze away from Bai Qingming, his face pale and his steps unsteady. He slowly approached Ji Liang, whispering, "Ninth Prince, something felt off with the ritual."

Ji Liang's expression was devoid of emotion. "

Hmm

. Among the hairs you got should've been Gai Wu's, Xu Peng's, and… mine."

Xu Qingsong trembled. He finally understood why he had to burn four drops of essence blood to perform the Blessing Disaster Technique.

"Fang Chen set you up. Now that Gai Wu is facing the Mildew Calamity, Xu Peng is dealing with the Illness Calamity, and I have just finished facing the Lightning Calamity. 𝘳𝔞ℕƟВĚṦ

"My Yin Soldier has informed me that Fang Chen is facing a calamity as well, likely the Demonic Calamity. "

"That's not right. If he set us up…"

"He probably intends to conquer his calamity and begin his advancement to the Nascent Soul Realm, so he can embark on the path of questioning his sword and truly become the sword leader, thereby safeguarding the immortal relics for the Void Immortal Sword Sect."

Xu Qingsong's complexion turned even paler. "I can't believe that child used me like this…."

However, one thing still puzzled Xu Qingsong. "How did Fang Chen know about the Blessing Disaster Technique? And how did he know we would use it on him?"

"This is a question I have also pondered for a long time without clarity. It can only be said that there might be his people among us.

A hint of gloating flashed in Ji Liang's eyes, his pupils reflecting the image of Fang Chen dancing with the sword. "However, it doesn't matter. Let's see how he resolves this calamity today. The Demonic Calamity shouldn't be too difficult for him. If he has no other means, he will become the disgrace of all sword cultivators."

The sight of the Void Immortal Sword Sect's sword leader publicly performing a sword dance for Wu Changzai of the Kunlun Sword Sect spread like a plague, causing a stir among the gathered crowd.

The news spread like an unstoppable torrent through the Heaven Profound Mirror, reaching sword cultivators in various regions.

At the Void Immortal Sword Sect, Qin Hucheng and others watched the scene in the Heaven Profound Mirror, their expressions solemn and silent.

A disciple from the Extreme Sword Peak clenched his fists, gritting his teeth in anger. "Fang Chen, as the sword leader, how could he bring himself to perform a sword dance publicly? He's not just tarnishing the face of our sword sect, he's humiliating every sword cultivator on the face of this vast Central Continent!"

"That's not true! Senior Brother Fang would never bring shame to the sword sect; he must have his own reasons!" Langya Wenqiu retorted fiercely.

"What reasons could there possibly be? Just look at him; he hasn't even used any spiritual energy and is dancing like a mortal. What kind of reason does he have?" someone countered.

Cheng Yuhan and others quickly chimed in to defend, but their arguments felt weak, as they too were puzzled by Fang Chen's seemingly reckless decision.

Qin Hucheng furrowed his brow, ignoring his junior disciples and quietly observing Fang Chen's every move on the Heaven Profound Mirror. In such slow motions, the sword techniques appeared utterly mundane, even… completely devoid of spiritual intent.

Qin Hucheng suddenly spoke up. "If you were to restrain your own cultivation to dance like Fang Chen, could you make it look so utterly mortal?"

Some were taken aback.

Right then, a few sealed their cultivation and attempted to perform a sword dance. However, to the onlookers, their sword techniques still emanated a profound aura, appearing elegant and spirited even without the use of spiritual energy.

Qin Hucheng suddenly broke out with a smile. "Sword Leader Fang's actions must hold deep meaning; everyone, please remain calm."

With his words, the crowd's anxiety began to settle. The sword dance, although slow, had a beginning and an end. When Fang Chen finished and stood still, Wu Changzai couldn't help but laugh heartily and applaud.

In contrast, Wang Yi and the others looked as if they had just bitten into something foul, their faces turning green and sour. The reputation of the sword cultivators from the Central Continent was ruined today.

Wu Changzai clapped vigorously, laughing heartily. "Excellent! As expected of Sword Leader Fang! This sword dance is truly plain and unremarkable. Is this really the strength of your Void Immortal Sword Sect's current sword leader? Hahaha!"

However, as Wu Changzai laughed, he quickly noticed that his voice was becoming increasingly frail.

A nearby sword cultivator suddenly gasped in shock, unable to believe what he was seeing. "Junior Brother, you…!"

Wu Changzai was visibly aging at an alarming rate; his taut skin became riddled with wrinkles, and his hair began to fall out in clumps. Not only that, but with every laugh, a few of his yellowed teeth fell out.

Wu Changzai was suddenly hit with panic and anger, but before he could react, he felt an overwhelming force draining the life from his body. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, staring incredulously at his hands as they disintegrated like yellow sand.

"This sword dance is called 'Ten Thousand Year Sword.' I hope you enjoyed the performance. If you did, then rest easy," Fang Chen said with a slight smile.

As his words fell, Wu Changzai could only let out an unwilling roar of rage before his form turned into a puddle of foul mud and ash, marking his end.

The crowd was left in shock, unsure of what had just transpired. Only Fang Chen understood; by merging his sword intent with the mortal world immortal essence, Wu Changzai had become akin to a mortal watching his sword dance for ten thousand years.

Could a mortal live for ten thousand years?

Naturally not.