Supreme Sword Exalt

Two eerie glows shot out from Gu Han’s eyes, resembling two sharp swords. They instantly disappeared into Liu Ying’s brow.

Liu Ying’s smiling expression froze. “You—”

The next moment, she flew far away, as if struck by lightning. Judging from how deathly pale she was, she had obviously suffered significant damage.

What Gu Han had just used was called Soul Annihilation technique, where one transformed his own soul power into a seed that corrupted the opponent’s soul. It wouldn’t have been so effective against others, but Liu Ying was a different story. Since the majority of her abilities came from her soul, which was countless times stronger than others, it was the perfect counter.

Upon seeing her injured, Gu Han didn’t hesitate to swing his sword with all his might. Boundless killing intent surged in his heart. In an instant, a faint bloody mark appeared between Liu Ying’s brows.

She stared at Gu Han, full of heartbreak. “Y-you have such a cruel heart—”

Before she could finish, she slowly dissipated until nothing remained.

Gu Han frowned deeply. The situation was exactly the same as last time. Obviously, she still hadn’t died despite being injured.

At that very moment, Shen Xuan and the other two regained their senses. They gasped for breath with lingering fear.

Even Murong Yan wore a face full of fear. “What on earth was that thing?!”

Shen Xuan looked around a few times, swallowing hard. “Brother Gu, where is she?!”

Gu Han sighed. “She ran away. Don’t worry. She probably won’t come back for now.”

After sighing in relief, Shen Xuan’s expression turned somewhat strange. “Brother Gu, she seems to, ahem, be deeply devoted to you. What exactly is your relationship?”

Gu Han thought for a moment. “If I’m not mistaken, she probably wants to eat me.”

The usually quickwitted Yang Ying went blank. Eat?

Obviously, he got the wrong idea.

Gu Han’s face darkened. “She wants to devour my soul! What are you all thinking?!”

The two suddenly understood. And here they thought... ahem!

Murong Yan clearly didn’t catch the subtext of their words, putting her large hammer away. “Brother Gu, what should we do now?”

Gu Han pointed at the two Yang Clan members. “Keep going, of course! Perfect. She solved the two biggest troubles for us. No need to be sneaky anymore!”

Suddenly, he thought of something and laughed. “What do you think those people are doing now?”

Shen Xuan was somewhat hesitant. “Probably fighting?”

In contrast, Yang Ying was absolutely certain. “Definitely.”

***

Unlike Shen Xuan and Yang Ying, who needed ten days for the round trip, someone at the Half-Step Transcendent realm like Murong Yuan wouldn’t take nearly as long.

In just half a day, a large group arrived at their destination in force. Of course, if they hadn’t brought so many clansmen and disciples, they could have been even faster.

On a desolate small hilltop, a Qixia Court elder stroked his beard. “Court Master, this is the area where the relic site is located. How exactly should we search? Should we establish some rules—”

Li Xun looked at him like he was an idiot. “Rules? Can’t you see people from the other families have already started moving? If we delay any longer, we won’t even get a sip of soup! Search! All of you, search! Hurry up!”

What he said was true. Upon arriving, all the other families immediately occupied an area and tirelessly began searching. Meanwhile, the Qixia Court insisted on debating rules for everything, leaving them a step behind.

Li Xun waved his hand. “Hurry! Great rewards for whoever finds it!”

With that, he was the first to charge out. Head-on, he bumped into Yang Tong, who was anxiously looking around. The two were startled, instantly stopping their movement. Hmm?

Originally, the two families had frequent interactions and a good relationship. The reason was because the Yang family’s young master, Yang Lin, was the chief disciple of the Qixia Court. Yet now, there was a sense of mutual wariness. The temptation of a Heaven-tier technique was unprecedented.

Li Xun smiled a stiff, insincere smile. “Any gains?”

Yang Tong also smiled. “Still nothing. Since our two families are closely linked, don’t forget to inform me if you get any news!”

Li Xun nodded. “Of course! If you gain anything, don’t forget me either!”

“Hahaha, of course, of course!”

For a moment, the two stared at each other and laughed heartily. Only thing was the smiles appeared completely fake.

Right at that moment, angry shouts and arguments came from the distance.

“Found it!”

“Scram! We found it first!”

“Nonsense! The relic site is ownerless property! Why should it be the Meng family’s!”

“Don’t you dare take another step forward, or the Meng family will fight you to the death!”

“Hehe, you think we’re afraid of you? People of the Yuqing Sect, come here! We’ll annihilate anyone who comes in our path!”

The newly-arrived Yang Tong and Li Xun were momentarily stunned by the commotion. They found something?!

Originally, they had prepared for a long-term search, but they never expected the surprise to come so suddenly. In an instant, the smiles completely vanished from their faces.

Yang Tong flew off and roared angrily, “The cultivation technique is for the Yang family!”

Li Xun sneered coldly, then followed. “Anyone who dares contend with the Qixia Court, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

For a moment, not just the two of them, people from all the families swarmed towards the source of the commotion.

***

Before a section of broken walls and ruins, Meng Chuan led a group of Meng clansmen guarding in front of a dilapidated cave dwelling, his face full of vigilance and killing intent. He seemed ready to fight anyone who dared approach to death.

Right then, a figure descended from the sky. It was Meng Qing.

Meng Chuan instantly sighed in relief. “Old Ancestor, I’ve already checked. That cultivation technique comes from here!”

Meng Qing’s face was dark. “You fool! If you found it, you found it! Who told you to reveal the news?!”

The Meng family members looked at each other. Rather than being deliberately revealed, the location was simply too conspicuous! Anyone who spent a bit more effort would definitely find it!

As soon as he finished speaking, several more powerful auras descended from the sky. Upon seeing the Meng family’s actions, the other three families immediately surrounded them without a word.

Wu De stared at Meng Qing, his laugh uglier than crying. “You want to take it all for yourself?!”

Even Yang Tong appeared unfriendly, his eyes holding a hidden chill. “Brother Meng, the relationship between our two families, need I say more? Isn’t what you’re doing a bit ungracious?”

Duan Ren’s face was dark. “Meng Qing, this cultivation technique is destined to belong to the Yuqing Sect. Be sensible, step aside now.”

Upon seeing everyone watching him like a tiger eyeing its prey, Meng Qing remained silent.

Facing one family was nothing. Two families, he could grit his teeth and handle it. As for three families? Even if he sacrificed himself and all the clansmen he brought, it probably wouldn’t be enough. No matter how good the cultivation technique was, one had to be alive to practice it.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Brother Yang, you and I join forces to block them. After we get the cultivation method, we’ll share it between our two families. How about it?”

Without even thinking, Yang Tong agreed. “Fine!”

He wasn’t stupid. He knew this cultivation technique wasn’t something one family could bear alone.

Waving his hand grandly, he immediately stood beside Meng Qing. “Yang family, come with me!”

In an instant, the two families were united, boosting Meng Qing’s confidence greatly.

Duan Ren’s face immediately darkened further. “Why are you treating the Yuqing Sect as if it doesn’t exist?!”

Normally, the two would give them some face. Now that the show was over, they naturally wouldn’t hold back anymore.

“Yuqing Sect? Long since declined!”

“That’s right. Do you think it’s like back when your patriarch was still around??!”

Duan Ren was furious. “You youngsters dare to belittle me! Yuqing Sect members, step forward and kill all these ignorant fools!”

“Understood!”

The Yuqing Sect truly had great power. Even without the Murong family, they could steadily overpower either of the two families on their own.

Li Xun’s expression also turned unpleasant. “Brother Yang, do you really intend to do this?”

All he got in return was a cold snort.

Li Xun sneered coldly. “Senior Duan, it seems we’ll have to work together closely today!”

Wu De could no longer hold back. “Enough talk! Let’s do it! Kill all these bastards!”

He and Duan Ren were nearing the end of their lifespan. Naturally, they craved this cultivation technique more than anyone. For a moment, seniority, demeanor, and cultivation were all thrown to the wind. They were meaningless before death.

Wu De charged toward the two, exuding a powerful aura. “Get out of my way! Those who block me, die!”

Behind him, Duan Ren and Li Xun also hesitated no longer, charging to attack the two families.

“Attack them!”

“Qixia Court, attack!”

In an instant, the four families fell into a chaotic melee.

Loud rumbles rang in succession. The shockwaves of their battle reduced the already ruined, desolate relic site into a wasteland.

Right at that moment, Murong Yuan finally arrived with the Murong family, fashionably late. Of course, he had deliberately delayed a bit on the way. Standing beside him was a middle-aged man, Murong Hai. He was the Murong family head, and also Murong Yan’s biological father.

“Old Ancestor, are we too late?” Murong Hai asked.

“Not late, just in time,” said Murong Yuan.

“What about the cultivation technique?”

“Hehe, no rush.”

Murong Hai was speechless. Old Ancestor, at a time like this, don’t be so calm! Hurry up and make a move, go seize it!

Little did he know, Murong Yuan had been studying that cultivation technique day and night recently. He had already almost gotten sick of looking at it.

Wu De was overjoyed at their arrival. “Brother Murong, quick! Hurry and act! Let’s join forces and wipe out these two families first!”

Murong Yuan waved his hand grandly. “Fine! Murong family clansmen, hidden guards, listen to my order! Surround them! Don’t let a single one escape!”

Murong Hai was taken aback. Surround? Isn’t that basically just watching the show?

Murong Yuan glared at him. “What are you waiting for?! If even one escapes, I’ll hold you accountable!”

“Yes, yes!”

Murong Yuan roared, “Fellow brothers, I’ll assist you!”

With that, he no longer hesitated, instantly charging toward that chaotic battlefield.

Damn it! The Yang and Meng families’s hearts sank. As if fighting two against three wasn’t difficult enough!

Before they could devise a countermeasure, Murong Yuan struck out with a full-powered palm. He intended to put on a full show after receiving such a huge favor from Gu Han. Moreover, he had long despised the conduct of these two families. He wouldn’t miss this chance for the world.

For a moment, the Yang and Meng families’ pressure greatly increased, howling in rage. The four families had already shed blood until their eyes went red. They all wished they could devour each other alive. Every move they made was a lethally powerful killing technique. In just a short while, casualties had mounted.

Wu De and Duan Ren looked excited.

“Hurry, they’re almost at their limit!”

“Put in more effort! The cultivation technique will be ours!”

Murong Yuan was speechless. He strongly suspected the two would die of anger on the spot if they knew the truth.

Meanwhile, extremely far from the battlefield, two figures chatted and laughed. They were Wei Fang and Elder Mu.

Elder Mu glanced at Wei Fang. “You originate from that place. Would you still lack Heaven-tier cultivation techniques?”

Wei Fang nodded. “Of course. While there are some Heaven-tier cultivation techniques there, someone of my stature has no right to study them.”

Elder Mu sighed. “True. Haven’t I experienced the same?”

Wei Fang’s gaze shifted to the battlefield. “Then what should we do?”

Elder Mu had a composed, unhurried demeanor. “Observe and wait for an opportunity. How could a Heaven-tier cultivation technique be something one or two families alone could bear? No matter the outcome, we must have a share!”

Wei Fang nodded. “You’re right. Unfortunately, their greed is too great. They’ve probably already forgotten this principle!”

***

At the entrance to the Yang family’s secret realm. Compared to other places, the surrounding space gave the group a sense of distortion. Everything before them seemed somewhat unreal.

Murong Yan hefted her large hammer, eager to try. “Brother Gu, can you break it? Should I give it a go?”

To enter a secret realm, one either required the corresponding method to break the restrictive formations, or had to use brute force to shatter the spatial barrier. This was common knowledge for everyone.

Of course, the size and the difficulty of breaking into the secret realm varied. The Yang family’s secret realm itself wasn’t large. Forcing it open by relying on Murong Yan’s astonishing brute strength and cultivation level wouldn’t be too difficult. The only drawback was that it would cause a major commotion.

Nevertheless, Gu Han was confident and assured. “Don’t worry! My method is unique in this world! It was born to break open secret realms! If you want to learn it, I can teach you later.”

Murong Yan pouted. ”Don’t wanna! With one hammer strike from me, what secret realm wouldn’t open?!”

Shen Xuan also shook his head. He was afraid that after learning it, he wouldn’t be able to resist using it, and get caught and beaten to death. However, Yang Ying’s eyes glimmered slightly.

Ahead, Gu Han had already calmed his mind and focused his spirit. His hands continuously formed a series of strange hand seals, dazzling the others.

Just then, he sent the formed hand seals forward, shouting fiercely, “Open!”

The space trembled slightly, and a four-chi-high door silently appeared before the group.

Gu Han was sweating profusely, completely exhausted. “Go in... Go in!”

Those hand seals consumed a tremendous amount of cultivation base. Even with his dual Supreme Stage spirit power, he was almost drained dry.

“Let’s go, let’s go!” Murong Yan couldn’t resist being the first to dart inside. The next moment, she exclaimed, “Huh? Something’s not right!”