"Li Xuan, this Ghost Sect is not to be trifled with."
As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, Jian Chi, standing beside him, frowned. Li Xuan turned to look at Jian Chi, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Seeing this, Jian Chi explained, "Although our twelve sects are roughly equal in strength, the Ghost Sect has not been active for nearly a hundred years. Even the Dragon-Tiger Ranking, held by the twelve sects every fifty years, has seen the Ghost Sect absent."
"That doesn't seem to prove anything," Li Xuan remarked upon hearing this.
Jian Chi shook his head with a wry smile. "One hundred and sixty years ago, the Ghost Sect's team took first place. You must know that in the previous five Dragon-Tiger Rankings, the Ghost Sect was always in the lower tier. The Ghost Sect's team suddenly winning first place attracted the attention of the War Sect."
"That's right. At that time, the War Sect had held the top spot for eight consecutive sessions. Moreover, at that time, the Ghost Sect's team was merely an inner disciple of the Ghost Sect. An elder of the War Sect, who was at the Martial God realm, secretly followed this team. As a result, this elder perished midway."
"Eight consecutive sessions at the top! Then the War Sect's strength must be ranked first among your twelve sects." Li Xuan exclaimed in surprise, but his expression turned solemn at Jian Chi's later words.
Logically, one could become an elder of a sect, and their strength would naturally not be weak. Without an elder leading the team, how could the Ghost Sect's team have killed such an elder?
The result was obvious; the strength of that Ghost Sect disciple was likely far greater than what was apparent.
The hidden strength of the Ghost Sect, capable of killing a Martial God realm elder, could only be imagined.
"The War Sect is indeed the strongest among our twelve sects, at least on the surface. After losing an elder, the War Sect naturally would not let the matter rest. However, this matter was ultimately left unresolved," Jian Chi stated.
"In that case, the Ghost Sect does have some issues," Li Xuan's expression turned grave.
Seeing this, Jian Chi immediately chuckled, "If I were to go, honestly, I would be rather unwilling. However, if you go to the Ghost Sect, at least your safety is not an issue. If the Ghost Sect is truly powerful, they would naturally not want to provoke you. After all, behind you stands that senior."
Li Xuan smiled helplessly. It seemed that strength always spoke the loudest, no matter the time.
"Jian Chi, if you were to encounter danger while going to the Ghost Sect this time, what would you choose?" Li Xuan suddenly asked.
Jian Chi was taken aback and blurted out, "That senior would likely intervene, wouldn't he?"
Li Xuan shook his head and said, "Jian Chi, that line of thinking is incorrect. The senior's strength is indeed immense, and if they were to act, the Ghost Sect, no matter how strong, would likely be unable to resist. But you must remember one thing: only self-reliance is true strength."
"Even if that senior does not act, what can the Ghost Sect do to me!"
"Only self-reliance is true strength... I am enlightened!" A flash of realization flickered in Jian Chi's eyes. Especially upon feeling the strong confidence emanating from Li Xuan, Jian Chi seemed to understand a great deal.
"When facing a strong opponent, everyone's heart will subconsciously harbor fear. This is not shameful. Just as ordinary people fear fierce beasts, whether we choose to flee or to face them depends on ourselves. What is the purpose of our cultivation if not to improve ourselves so that we are not afraid in such situations?"
"No matter how strong a formidable opponent is, they are not unbeatable. Only by maintaining an unwavering will to win is victory possible! Forgetting the original intention, one cannot achieve the final goal!"
As if sensing Jian Chi's change in state of mind, Li Xuan paused for a moment before continuing.
"Forgetting the original intention, one cannot achieve the final goal..." The clarity in Jian Chi's eyes grew brighter. After murmuring it several times in a low voice, he slowly closed his eyes. Seeing this, Li Xuan nodded with satisfaction and stood aside, waiting.
Boom!
A few breaths later, a surge of sword energy from Jian Chi shot straight into the sky. The spiritual sword on his back also flew into the clouds, its resonant hum echoing through the heavens!
Sword Heart Enlightenment!
Li Xuan looked at Jian Chi with a hint of surprise. He had initially thought Jian Chi was merely having some insights, but he hadn't expected him to achieve Sword Heart Enlightenment so quickly!
Jian Chi's commotion naturally drew the attention of everyone on the cloud ship. Instantly, countless figures appeared on the deck, gazing at Jian Chi, who still had his eyes closed, with reverence.
A great sword cultivator who had achieved Sword Heart Enlightenment, and appeared to be less than twenty years old, his future achievements were limitless!
Given time, he would surely become a Sword Dao Grandmaster.
"This person seems to be a disciple of the younger generation of the Myriad Sword Sect... Right, he's Jian Chi!" Someone sharp-eyed in the crowd recognized Jian Chi.
"A disciple of the Myriad Sword Sect, how did he end up here?"
"I heard that the Myriad Sword Sect has been declining generation after generation in recent years. It seems the rumors aren't entirely accurate."
"..."
The crowd chattered, and Li Xuan, standing by, listened thoughtfully.
A moment later, Jian Chi slowly opened his eyes.
"Thank you." Jian Chi glanced at Li Xuan and then, surprisingly, bowed respectfully. Jian Chi knew that his gamble had paid off.
Li Xuan smiled and shook his head, "There's no need for such formality. Since you chose to follow me, how could I keep knowledge to myself? It's just that you are quite remarkable. Achieving Sword Heart Enlightenment is also a testament to your solid foundation."
"He... He's Li Xuan!"
Previously, due to Jian Chi's mental state and focus, everyone had overlooked Li Xuan. It was only when they saw Jian Chi bow to Li Xuan that their attention shifted to Li Xuan. Upon closer inspection, everyone was filled with terror.
A moment later, everyone quickly dispersed. In less than ten breaths, the deck was empty.
Li Xuan blinked in surprise. Was he that fearsome?
"Jian Chi, do you think I'm that terrifying?" Li Xuan gestured to himself and asked Jian Chi.
Jian Chi smiled and replied, "Although it was the strong individual behind you who annihilated the Blazing Fire Sect, this incident originated because of you. Moreover, the news spread incredibly fast. Many sects and powers sternly warned their disciples not to provoke you. At least within the Myriad Sword Sect, the Sect Master issued such an order."
"So, you mean I'm a bloodthirsty demon in their eyes?" Li Xuan felt somewhat speechless. This wasn't something he had actively sought out.
Jian Chi chuckled, "Although many people are present here, the Central Region is vast. Rumors spread from ten to a hundred, and they've already deviated from the original story. However, this is also good; at least now no one will actively provoke you."
Li Xuan let out a wry smile. Was this considered a good thing?
"You've just broken through your mental state. You should go into seclusion to consolidate your realm first." Li Xuan shook his head and then turned to walk back into the room.
Several days later, the cloud ship slowly came to a halt. Li Xuan and Jian Chi emerged from their rooms and frowned as they looked at their surroundings.
Gloomy, desolate.
This was Li Xuan's first impression. However, Li Xuan paid it no mind; the ghost city had finally arrived.