Chapter 869: The Responsibility of the Sword Leader

Seeing the death aura rising about Qin Hucheng, almost corroding his Furious Sea Sword Intent, Bai Li Henggang dared not underestimate his opponent any longer. He dropped the last vestige of his contempt and attempted to push forward with all his might, trying to suppress his opponent with a force that could move mountains!

The sea around Qiankun Island seemed to be influenced by the Furious Sea Sword Intent, turning into massive, turbulent waves capable of easily shattering the will of ordinary cultivators. However, in the face of such waves, Qin Huicheng remained as still as a divine pillar and wielded his sword on the spot.

The strange phenomena of the Furious Sea instantly dissipated. Bai Li Henggang staggered back a few steps and clutched his chest, taking a few breaths to calm himself. He swallowed the salty, sweet, and bitter blood in his throat. His face had paled considerably. In the end, he looked at Qin Huichen and cupped his hand, admitting his defeat. "Daoist Qin, I have lost."

The sword cultivators of the Qiankun Sword Sect had slightly odd expressions. Losing to the Death Sword intent was not something to be ashamed of.

Qin Hucheng nodded slightly. However, a moment later, he hacked out a mouthful of blood.

The death aura around Qin Hucheng seemed difficult to dissipate, lingering around him like a cloud.

Seeing this scene, the crowd couldn't help but shake their heads.

Although Qin Huicheng won this battle, he came out of it more heavily injured than before.

The Death Sword Intent had made him disregard his own safety and delivered a strike that aimed to crush his opponent with overwhelming force. However, he had left himself wide open as he delivered this strike, allowing the Furious Sea Sword to injure him.

Wang Zhenlong cupped his hands to a few nearby Profound Immortal sword cultivators and said with a slight smile, "Everyone, the Sword Questioning here has concluded. We shall take our leave now. The next stop is Celestial Heaven."

The Profound Immortal sword cultivator from Qiankun Sword Sect thought for a moment, then shook their head. "This battle is not yet over."

The crowd was surprised.

Indeed, the Qiankun Sword Sect has other mid-stage sword cultivators, but... Bai Li Henggang was among the best of them. Since he has been defeated, the Sword Questioning should've come to an end. If someone else were to step up now, it would lose its meaning.

The burly-bearded sword cultivator furrowed his brow slightly and exchanged glances with Zhang Ling and the others. There was clear anger in their eyes.

Wang Zhenlong squinted and said, "Oh? What do you mean by that, Daoist Chang Fu? Is Bai Li Henggang not the best among your mid-stage cultivators?"

"Yes and no," the Profound Immortal sword cultivator from Qiankun Sword Sect replied indifferently. "Though Bai Li Henggang is a formidable expert, we have other mid-stage cultivators who are not to be underestimated. They too have the qualification to receive your sword."

Wang Zhenlong replied indifferently, "Then then Sword Questioning has lost its meaning. it loses the meaning of the Sword Questioning."

"There is no rule that prohibits this. It doesn't invalidate the meaning of the Sword Questioning."

𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

The nearby sword cultivators whispered among themselves, but they did not speak out against it.

If they were to get into the details, this wasn't really a violation of the rules. It was simply an unwritten tradition in the past, where no one did this because it didn't benefit them. But now, the old sword immortal of the Void Immortal Sword Sect had passed away, leaving Wang Zhenlong alone to bear the flag. The Qiankun Sword Sect could take this step without facing any opposition from the Void Immortal Sword Sect.

Wang Zhenlong's eyes flashed with anger. No longer pretending, he tore off the mask of civility and coldly said, "So, what you want today is to keep us on Qiankun Island? Why go to such lengths? Are you afraid that if we go to Celestial Heaven, something unexpected might happen?"

He glanced at the Profound Immortal sword cultivator sent by the Kunlun Sword Sect. If it weren't for this person's instigation from behind the scenes, the Qiankun Sword Sect probably wouldn't have dared to take such reckless actions against them.

After all, tearing off the mask would mean that this wouldn't just be a simple Sword Questioning anymore—someone would have to sacrifice their life for it!

The Profound Immortal sword cultivator from the Kunlun Sword Sect smiled faintly and said, "Daoist Wang, don't overthink it. With your sect's strength, even if you go to Celestial Heaven... you won't be able to finish the Sword Questioning. This has nothing to do with my Kunlun Sword Sect."

"You're surnamed Wu? Wu Changzai, who died in Yong'an City because of Fang Chen, was your direct blood relative. So, you've been secretly seeking revenge, trying to annoy me?" Wang Zhenlong sneered. "Do you really think I'm a soft target, too afraid to strike back?"

The Profound Immortal cultivator from Kunlun Sword Sect's expression darkened. He coldly said, "Oh? Are you planning to take action personally? If so, I'm not afraid. If you choose to break the rules, it will only result in your sect being annihilated overnight. Even your Central Continent's First Rate Sect Leader wouldn't care about you. They, too, fear the sword in my ancestor's hand."

The Void Immortal Sword Sect disciples' expressions turned ugly.

When did their sect fall to the point of being so openly threatened?

Qin Hucheng cupped his hands and said, "Supreme Emperor Wang, I can still fight."

Wang Zhenlong's eyes widened. "What fight? I'd rather you die at the hands of a true genius than see you perish from being worn down by these petty tricks. Since they sent out Bai Li Henggang and still lost, there's no need to keep sending people to fight with you. You may be willing to lose face, but I'm not. Shut up!"

A voice suddenly interrupted, "Brother Wang, your words are a bit one-sided."

Sword cultivators from all major sword sects spoke up.

"Since this is Sword Questioning, how can we not continue it?"

"The argument is pointless. Brother Wang, you must remember that those two disciples of yours also perished during Sword Questioning. You should know well that you can temporarily avoid something, but not forever. Since he has comprehended the Death Sword Intent, let him continue and fight his way through. Who knows, a miracle might happen."

Cultivators from the Celestial Heaven, Northern Dipper, and many other places watched through the Heaven Profound Mirror, feeling gleeful.

Seven or eight out of ten were enjoying the misfortune of the situation. The main reason was that sword cultivators were often too ruthless, making enemies everywhere. Even though it was the Qiankun Sword Sect facing this predicament, many still secretly felt pleased.

The bearded sword cultivator and others exchanged glances, realizing something was wrong.

It was best not to mention Wang Zhenlong's two disciples in front of him, as doing so would likely ignite his fury. Sure enough, Wang Zhenlong, who had been holding back, suddenly exploded in rage, pointing at one of the sword cultivators and shouting, "I'll remember you. The moment you leave Qiankun Island, it will be your death!"

Someone retorted coldly, "Enough of your nonsense. Does your sect still want to continue the Sword Questioning? If not, just admit defeat here, and you might be able to save this genius disciple of yours. Otherwise, he will die today without a doubt."

The Immortal Sword Cultivator from the Kunlun Sword Sect said with indifference, "If you continue to throw tantrums, are you sure that we, with so many sword cultivators present today, cannot suppress you together?"

Wang Zhenlong took a deep breath, his expression fluctuating. The bearded sword cultivator and the others watched the old man's fury building, but he still managed to hold it back. They clenched their fists so tightly that they creaked.

In the void, Elder Xun gently patted Fang Chen's shoulder. "Go ahead."

Fang Chen cupped his hands in and then turned to walk down.

Someone noticed Fang Chen and couldn't help but frown and scold, "Which junior dares to move about under our noses?"

Everyone looked up.

A cry of surprise rang out as Langya Wenqiu, standing next to Zhang Ling, exclaimed, "Is that Senior Brother Fang?!"

Jing Yuehan, Jing Xu, and other disciples from various peaks trembled, raising their eyes to see the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figure.

Wang Zhenlong's expression shifted slightly, silently watching Fang Chen.

Fang Chen approached and cupped his hands. "Master, I have successfully condensed my Nascent Soul, and I will now take on the responsibility of the sword leader"

He successfully condensed his Nascent Soul?!

Hearing this, Langya Wenqiu and the others were overjoyed. Even Qin Hucheng, after a moment of surprise, slowly revealed a smile.