Sword Aura to the Heavens-Chapter 440 - 435: An Accident Occurs

The Da Li Dynasty suddenly underwent a change. The calamity of demons reappeared, and the world saw an emergence of numerous top-tier cultivators, and even some unknown individuals.

They traveled across the world, slaying demons, and their names were previously unheard of by the common people.

Within the realm of Da Li, the top major sects, as well as some noble families, all began to emerge and walk the world. In the past, these people were extremely unfamiliar to ordinary cultivators.

Among them were some Seventh Realm Great Cultivators.

It seemed as if, overnight, the number of Seventh Realm Great Cultivators increased.

In the long past, every Seventh Realm top-tier cultivator was a renowned figure.

Additionally, information about one mountain, one temple, one monastery, and one academy began to emerge more frequently.

The world gradually came to know that besides Li Mountain and White Jade Academy, there was also a temple and a monastery.

All signs seemed to be heralding that this world was about to fall into chaos again.

As for the beginning of all this, some believe it started when Li Fan from West River City discovered that estate.

But others believe that the cause was the shocking battle beneath White Jade, and that the outbreak of this battle predetermined subsequent events.

Li Mountain once again walked the world; demons, Taiping Temple, Ten Thousand Buddha Temple... it seemed that they were destined to appear or enter the mortal world one after another.

No matter the cause, it seemed impossible to avoid one name, Li Fan.

This young Li Mountain Sword Cultivator was rising terrifyingly in the world and had yet to experience defeat.

But as the instigator of all this, Li Fan suddenly disappeared, no matter how turbulent the outside world was, he never appeared.

During the half-year of his disappearance, countless people mentioned his name, and many prodigious talents wanted to challenge him. Of course, many also wanted him dead.

Some said he caused this calamity and cowardly hid in fear for his life.

But all this seemed unrelated to him.

In the wilderness of Qingzhou, at the peak of a mountain, a figure sat cross-legged, breathing in the essence of heaven and earth.

Though he sat quietly with closed eyes, the vigorous energy within was hard to conceal, like a fierce beast, with breathing like a dragon, causing the mountain mist to churn with every breath.

At this moment, his brow seemed to twitch, and amidst his breathing, there seemed to be a demonic sound surrounding. A terrifying aura enveloped the boundless sky, and a voice emerged from his mouth: "Come out."

Amidst the rolling mist below, sudden golden rays of light dispersed the fog, revealing a man dressed in a golden robe. He wore a purple-gold crown, exuding unparalleled nobility, and his eyes held an air of dominion over the world.

"Was it your descendant that was killed earlier?" Xing Feng opened his eyes, staring at the middle-aged man who had appeared.

"Yes." The middle-aged man coolly replied, he was the father of the Commandery Prince killed by Wen Ruyu in Jade City, a Prince of Da Li.

"Since you're here, all should come out." Xing Feng raised his head indifferently, scanning the sky.

From the sky descended a terrifying aura, revealing a majestic figure with his eyes like lightning, seeming to contain divine thunder.

Behind Xing Feng, two more figures appeared, each exuding a terrifying aura that blocked all his paths of retreat.

"You hold me in high regard." Xing Feng seemed to mock himself; to deal with him, they sent four top Seventh Realm Great Cultivators, and none were of the early Seventh Realm.

"Finding you was no easy task. If you hadn't appeared to slay demons, it would have been hard to trace you." The cultivator in the sky sneered coldly. Even if a lion fights a rabbit, it uses all its strength. What's more, they were up against the Peak Master of Martial Intent Peak from Li Mountain.

Under White Jade, Xing Feng had already demonstrated his combat prowess, and the battle at Medicine Cleansing Lake confirmed his strength. They wouldn't have come without sufficient confidence.

"Do you people of Li Mountain believe that hiding everywhere can let you rest easy? Ultimately, you're in decline. There's no trace of your former grandeur. Even if you hide, you can't escape. You are just the beginning." The voice of the Da Li Prince in front carried a hint of resentment.

"Beginning?" Xing Feng sneered: "Li Mountain is famous for its sword, and I can't even be called the Li Mountain Sword. Even if you kill me, what then? Moreover, have you considered the price of wanting me dead?"

With that, Xing Feng stood up, a surging aura shooting up to the sky, with a Demon Ape roaring amidst heaven and earth, causing the entire mountain range to tremble.

"We want you dead, but not now. As you said, what we want are the swords of Li Mountain." The opposite side sneered, and terrifying auras exploded from various positions, sealing this piece of sky.

...

Days later, news shook the world.

The Da Li court dispatched top-tier cultivators to capture Li Mountain Cultivators in Qingzhou, found Xing Feng, and took him down.

It's said that in that battle, the Da Li court dispatched four Seventh Realm Great Cultivators, with a grim outcome. To capture Xing Feng, they paid a hefty price, with one dead and two injured, severely wounding and capturing Xing Feng.

Rumors said that the four top-tier Great Cultivators should have had an absolute advantage, but Xing Feng fought a death battle, leading to such a grim end.

The world speculated about who those four top-tier Great Cultivators were.

And who was the one who died?

Why would they pay such a heavy price to capture Xing Feng?

Soon, they learned the reason.

The court transported the severely injured Xing Feng to the Capital of the Da Li Dynasty.

Later, news spread that the court invited Li Fan from Li Mountain to the Capital to discuss the Dao. Talents from all over the world awaited in the Capital to decide Xing Feng's fate.

The news caused a sensation across the world.

A Seventh Realm Great Cultivator perished, and two were severely injured.

All this wasn't done for Xing Feng.

It was to bring Li Fan to the Capital to debate the Dao.

Why was Li Fan chosen, and not Wen Ruyu, or other top-tier Great Sword Cultivators from Li Mountain?

Li Fan was already famous worldwide, but the impact of this news was still shocking. So, is Li Fan the true successor of Li Mountain?

The court was determined to win?

The calamity of demons had not yet been quelled, and another storm seemed to be brewing.

Yet, how could Li Fan possibly enter the Capital?

As the Capital of Da Li, if Li Fan went, there was no way out.

Was this to let Li Fan choose, or to let Li Mountain choose?

Similarly in Qingzhou, in the wilderness.

In a cavern within a mountain gorge, Li Fan was meditating in closed cultivation, the entire cavern filled with sword aura like a dense cobweb, covering the cave.

Sword Intent flowed around Li Fan, but he seemed a bit unsettled. Moments later, the Sword Intent dissipated. He suddenly opened his eyes, but there was no longer the calmness of before, instead showing a trace of agitation.

He had received the news.

Lu Yuan told him, though Lu Yuan had hesitated, she still chose to tell him.

As she stepped into the cave, Li Fan looked up at her.

"Any other news?" Li Fan asked.

Lu Yuan shook her head: "Master Xing fought a death battle. He wouldn't want you to go."

The Da Li Capital, for them, was the most dangerous place in the world, with no chance of leaving alive.

Back in the days of the Eternal Sword Saint, that's how Zuo Canglan was taken away.

But now, Li Mountain no longer had the Eternal Sword Saint.

Seeing Li Fan's eyes waver, Lu Yuan continued: "During times of turmoil, you and I both anticipated danger. Master Xing clearly did as well, yet he still attacked and slew demons. Evidently, for Master Xing, some things were more important than himself. Though he was a Seventh Realm Great Cultivator, he didn't regard himself too highly."

Li Fan naturally understood. After meeting Li Changtian that day, he knew it wasn't just Li Changtian; cultivators from all sides had probably moved. Therefore, after that battle, Li Fan chose to close himself off for cultivation.

Yet, he didn't expect that during his seclusion, Master Xing encountered trouble.

"I was in a critical phase of cultivation, but my mindset wavered, making continued cultivation impossible." Li Fan said, "I'm going out for a walk."

"Where to?" Lu Yuan asked.

"To hear the news outside." Li Fan said, starting toward the exit. He knew he couldn't go; he wasn't alone, and this concerned the survival of Li Mountain.

Anywhere else in this world, he should have some courage, but in that Imperial City, he had no confidence to come out alive.

Furthermore, once he went, it wouldn't be just his matter anymore.

How could Li Mountain possibly stand by idly?