Sword Aura to the Heavens-Chapter 447 - 442: Second on the Sword Saint List, That’s All

No one responded, and silence enveloped the Lingxiao Pavilion once again.

An oppressive atmosphere shrouded the Endless Land, and those watching from outside could clearly sense the unexpected strength of Li Fan.

The person who just died was Chen Xuan, whose name was well-known among the people of the Capital. Unlike those prodigies, Chen Xuan was unremarkable in his youth despite his longing for the Sword Dao and was considered average in talent. He frequently challenged others, losing many times.

Yet, Chen Xuan's determination in the Sword Dao was exceptionally strong. He was persistent, battling repeatedly, with a passion for the sword beyond ordinary people. Eventually, he became a late bloomer and was fortuitously accepted into the Lingxiao Pavilion, wholeheartedly seeking enlightenment in the Sword Dao. Later, he defeated various prodigies, earning fame in the Capital. He was admired by countless people and was still respectfully called Senior Brother in the Lingxiao Pavilion.

However, this Sword Cultivator, when faced with Li Fan's challenge at the Lingxiao Pavilion, took only one sword strike. And thus, the world lost a legendary Sword Cultivator.

Chen Xuan's death left many with mixed emotions. Life is so dreamlike; when you push beyond your limits and finally reach unattainable heights, someone appears, and despite putting all your skill into one sword stroke, it ends in such dim circumstances.

Perhaps, this is the regret of life.

Watching that quiet, white-robed Sword Cultivator with Sword Intent flowing around him, as if born for the sword, many had heard of his name before entering the Capital, but this was the first time seeing his sword. Seeing him in person was more impressive than just hearing about him.

Li Fan had already killed two well-known swordsmen from the Capital, but is that his fault? He is a disciple of Li Mountain. The moment Wang Daoxuan led people into Li Mountain, many things were already predestined.

Just like between him and Jiang Taie, their fateful encounter on Li Mountain was already destined for a duel to the death, with one dying beneath the other's sword.

But, where is Jiang Taie?

Why hasn't he come out?

Jiang Taie is indeed Li Fan's destined opponent.

Although Chen Xuan was strong, the gap between him and Li Fan was like the gap between him and Jiang Taie. From the moment Jiang Taie entered Lingxiao Pavilion, everyone knew he would be its strongest Sword Cultivator, destined for greatness.

And only he could block Li Fan's sword.

Even surpass Li Fan's sword.

The people of the Capital had heard many rumors about Li Fan and now had seen his sword. However, they understood Jiang Taie better, an unparalleled genius in the Sword Dao. In the same era, could any Sword Cultivator surpass him?

Even with the heritage of Li Mountain's Sword Dao, could they really defeat Jiang Taie?

It seemed unlikely.

Yet, they were puzzled as to why Jiang Taie did not appear, instead watching Chen Xuan die for Lingxiao Pavilion.

At that moment, a suffocating Sword Dao pressure suddenly appeared in the sky above Lingxiao Pavilion. In a fleeting moment, all within hundreds of miles were stunned and looked up. That Sword Intent was everywhere, and they felt close to a point of no return, where a single thought from the opponent could decide their life or death.

Li Fan sensed this too and glanced upward.

An invisible Sword Dao pressure enveloped the heavens and earth, and his body, with his Sword Intent seemingly firmly suppressed, even losing the ability of Sword Control.

He had once faced Li Chengying and seen the Taibai Sword, so he naturally understood the owner of this Sword Intent was stronger than Li Chengying.

At that moment, Li Fan guessed the identity of the opponent, the true leader of the Lingxiao Pavilion, ranked second on the Sword Saint List, Lingxiao Pavilion Taixuzi.

It was said he had been in seclusion for many years without appearing.

This Sword Intent did not make him fearful; Li Fan looked straight at the space above and said, "Is this how Lingxiao Pavilion faces a challenge to the sword, a self-proclaimed orthodox of the world's Sword Dao, Lingxiao Pavilion?"

"Today's duel, our Lingxiao Pavilion admits defeat."

As soon as Li Fan finished speaking, a voice responded, making countless people dumbfounded.

Lingxiao Pavilion admits defeat?

"Admit defeat?" Li Fan was momentarily stunned.

"Yes." Taixuzi withdrew the oppressive Sword Intent, and instantly everyone felt immensely relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted off their shoulders.

That ethereal voice continued: "Zuo Canglan ultimately cultivated a decent successor, you did not disappoint me. Being the successor of Li Mountain Sword Dao, it is only normal that my Lingxiao Pavilion disciples couldn't defeat you. As for Jiang Taie, he is currently comprehending the Sword Dao, and at a critical time, so I will not let him fight today. But you will not wait for long."

"Disappoint you? What does my Li Mountain Sword Cultivator have to do with you?" Li Fan felt a bit of irony. After two battles, Taixuzi recognized the situation, knowing that continuing would only lead to further slaughter.

First, oppression, then withdrawing Sword Intent to admit defeat, does that make him seem magnanimous like a Great Sword Cultivator?

As for Jiang Taie, Li Fan believed the opponent was telling the truth. Jiang Taie was unlikely to deliberately avoid a battle, so he must be in seclusion training.

It seems he will face an even stronger Jiang Taie.

"Forget it, if I am too aggressive now, it would show a lack of decorum. After all, unlike when Lingxiao Pavilion challenged Li Mountain with the court's army in tow."

Li Fan spoke casually, then turned to leave on his sword, saying, "I came today to challenge your sword, but I am quite disappointed. Lingxiao Pavilion doesn't live up to its name, nor can it compare with Li Mountain. Moreover, Li Mountain has never seen Lingxiao Pavilion as a rival. All of it is merely Lingxiao Pavilion's self-delusion."

"Such arrogance," a cold voice came through, and the oppressive presence came down again. Taixuzi said, "If it were Li Mountain of the past, perhaps it could say such things, but Li Mountain today... As for you, a junior, do you really think with a promise from the court, you can act recklessly?"

"So, do you think I dare to challenge your Lingxiao Pavilion because I have the court's promise?" Li Fan sidestepped and mocked, "You are mistaken. Without the court, it wouldn't just be me coming, nor would it be just a simple challenge to the sword."

Given what Lingxiao Pavilion did to Li Mountain, the two sides are already mortal enemies.

"Oh?" Taixuzi said, "I am curious, if not as a challenge to the sword, what would it be? Is Gu Qingyang or Mo Yang of Li Mountain coming to my Lingxiao Pavilion? Even if your master were in his prime, he would not dare speak so boldly as you."

"There's no need for them to come," Li Fan said calmly, "The Sword Saint List, and you are only second, that's it."

The Sword Intent in all of heaven and earth paused. Amongst the vast Sword Intent, it was as though a pair of eyes suddenly appeared, piercing through space, gazing towards the distant outskirts of the Capital.

At this moment, the Sword Intent across the heavens and earth shook.

"Farewell," Li Fan said calmly.

Sword Aura howled as the Flying Sword pierced the sky, disappearing from Lingxiao Pavilion in an instant, escaping into the distance.

Countless people around watched the gradually fading silhouette and wondered what the conversation meant. Was Li Fan implying something?

Second on the Sword Saint List, and that's it?

This visit to challenge Lingxiao Pavilion was merely a side trip to the Capital to discuss the Dao, and from his tone, it seemed he hardly regarded Lingxiao Pavilion.

So, he never considered the possibility of defeat? Not even if Jiang Taie was there.

Likewise, he did not place any value on Lingxiao Pavilion.

They could not comprehend.

Was this because Li Fan knew this journey was a one-way trip, so he acted without restraint? Freely and casually, first going to Lingxiao Pavilion to challenge the sword, killing two well-known Sword Cultivators from Lingxiao Pavilion.

Even dared to be so disrespectful in front of Taixuzi, second on the Sword Saint List.

The events at Lingxiao Pavilion quickly spread throughout the Capital, making many marvel at Li Fan's strength, and lamenting that Jiang Taie's retreat prevented witnessing the pinnacle duel between the two.

As for why Li Fan dared to act so boldly, it remained a mystery.

Until shortly after, within the capital city, a figure quietly walked down the street. He had no discernible aura, yet for some reason, everyone instinctively made way, as if by instinct.

Someone curiously tried to look at him, but even a glance made their eyes sting.

"Who is this person?" someone wondered, deeply shocked by the figure. No one had ever given them such a feeling.

The man walked down the center of the street, creating an empty area around himself, like a vacuum.

The solitary figure carried an air of loneliness, yet also a sense of disdain for the world, as if no one was worthy to stand alongside him.

He continued along the street, with people avoiding his path.

Then, a startling piece of news spread through the Capital.

The world's first sword, the Xuanyuan Sword, has entered the Capital.