Chapter 1671: Eyes on the Sacred Mountain Are Full of Miscellaneous Soldiers, Half-Saints on the Ground Are as Light as a Feather

"Grandmaster Xu is back!"

Like a plague, these simple four words quickly spread across the Spiritual Cultivation world in all five regions. Everyone rushed to the nearest Orb of Preaching, swarming the viewing platforms in each location and causing a massive sensation.

Indeed! By this point, after a month-long, intense battle for the Seven Sword Immortals, even reclusive old spiritual cultivators had heard snippets about the new Seven Sword Immortals list. Everyone was fighting fiercely, but for all this time, no one had been able to shake the position of Grandmaster Xu, who had swiftly claimed the top spot shortly after the list was announced. "The First Sword Immortal!" How immense was the significance of these four words?

Previously, the "Eighth Sword Immortal," though not on the official list and only recognized in the Eastern Region, had already caused significant continental upheaval and reshaped the next three decades. This generation's Seven Sword Immortals, however, had direct rankings. Under such circumstances, for someone to defend the top position for so long with just three battles was astonishing. It could be said that his achievement was 100% genuine, almost entirely pure!

Most crucially... If one were to delve deeper into "Grandmaster Xu," they would discover that "The First Sword Immortal" was merely one of his titles, not the entirety of his reputation. Before earning the title of Sword Immortal, "Grandmaster Xu" had already become the second-in-command of the hegemonic dark force, the Saint Servant, overcoming all opposition as the foremost talent of his generation. The Saint Servant's Chief, Ba Zun'an, was his patron... Lei Xi'er, the last orphan of the Lei family, was his junior sister... Sang Qiye, one of the Four Sons of the Saint Palace, was his master... He had battled Gou Wuyue, the White-Clothed Enforcer and Ruler, in the Eight Palaces; he had slain Rao Yaoyao, the Red-Clothed Enforcer and Ruler, on Void Island; he had single-handedly torn apart the Sacred Emperor Qilin connected to Bei Huai; he had formed a pact with the sacred beast Gluttonous God of the Xuanyue Grey Palace; and he had even become one of the "Four Divine Pillars," the cornerstone of the ghost beasts on Void Island's inner island... And there was so much more! Compared to these feats, the title "The First Sword Immortal," which had caused the continent to boil with excitement and for which no one had been able to contend despite prolonged efforts, was perhaps the most insignificant of his many accolades.

Yet, all these disparate threads ultimately traced back to a single common point: Grandmaster Xu stood in opposition to the Divine Temple. The Divine Temple represented justice and the will of ninety-nine percent of the Sacred Continent. From this perspective, it was not an exaggeration to say that Xu Xiaoshou stood against the world.

"How can a young man barely in his twenties have more experience than us old-timers?" The reclusive Half-Saints, self-imprisoned across the five regions, had initially disbelieved the advent of a great era. After reviewing Xu Xiaoshou's rise to prominence, they all felt a resurgence of youth, their blood simmering, eager for action. Under such a series of "abnormal" accomplishments, even Ba Zun'an, famous for reaching the Innate Realm in three breaths and becoming a Sword Immortal in three years, seemed to pale in comparison. Who wouldn't be excited?

The Ten Honored Ones were legendary! But it didn't matter if one hadn't witnessed how the nine prodigies of the last Ten Honored Ones emerged. This time, the entire continent had their eyes wide open, daring not to miss this opportunity, eagerly awaiting. Everyone wanted to see if Grandmaster Xu, who had dominated an entire generation, would be defeated by Emperor Cang Sheng's arrow, or if he would continue his undefeated path, suppressing all of Saint Mountain and even ascending the Heavenly Ladder?

"Saint Servant, Saint Servant...""Even Half-Saints must self-imprison; who is not born a slave to the sacred?""If Xu Xiaoshou can tear open a corner of this Sacred Continent's cage and defy fate, why not?!"

"Presumptuous!""What an arrogant brat, quickly release the Northern Sword Immortal and surrender obediently!""First you used someone else's hand to kill, playing tricks on Elder Qiu, then you abducted the descendant of the Feng family to preach exclusively for you... You, Xu, do you truly believe you are some Son of Destiny, capable of defying fate and suppressing the entire Saint Mountain alone?"In stark contrast to the relaxed mood of the many spectators before the Orb of Preaching outside, on Saint Mountain, once the initial shock of isolation wore off and they realized who Grandmaster Xu was and what he intended, the Half-Saints of the foreign aid faction were fuming, their beards bristling and eyes wide with anger.

Qin Duan, a white-haired man just over three hundred years old, a passionate old man still eager to make achievements, immediately pulled out a menacing Red Lion-Head Halberd. His tiger-like eyes flashed as he pointed it from a distance: "Xu Xiaoshou, I, this Saint, will count down from ten! Immediately release those two in your hands, and I will give you a chance to face me directly in battle and die with dignity!"

The moment he declared himself "this Saint," the spiritual cultivators before the Orbs of Preaching in all five regions erupted in an uproar. What? A Half-Saint? It was actually a Half-Saint expert! It was widely known that the Supreme Void realm was considered the peak of combat power for most on the continent—a realm one could realistically hope to achieve with effort. Historically, ordinary spiritual cultivators often didn't even know which specific Saint each Half-Saint family revered, only vaguely aware of figures like Palace Lord Dao Qiongcang and the Three Emperors, Ai Cangsheng, but unable to name the full names of individuals like Zhong Yuanzi or Fang Wenxin. But now, this elder, wielding a spear and calling himself "this Saint," was someone the world had never heard of before. Yet, with a single glance through the Orb of Preaching, one could feel his aura piercing the heavens, his momentum capable of spanning the firmament—truly unstoppable!

And yet, such a "Saint"... There was a whole line of them standing proudly on the left side of Saint Mountain, and another line looking dejected on the right, a truly eye-opening sight. Compared to him, compared to them, Grandmaster Xu, despite his title including "Grandmaster" and his aloof, cloud-dwelling demeanor, seemed to exude an aura as calm as water from a distance. If one were to try and discern anything more from him...

Feng Zhongzui, understanding everyone's thoughts, immediately pointed the Orb of Preaching at Grandmaster Xu after Qin Duan's declaration. But besides being handsome, the fellow seemed utterly unremarkable at first glance! "Is it a return to simplicity?" "Grandmaster Xu seems unmeasurable by cultivation realm, but is his actual combat power only at the Half-Saint level?" "When he tore apart the Qilin, I heard the Qilin was practically dead, its power drained by the Four Symbols Secret Realm..." "Didn't all the Half-Saints who entered the God-Slaying Official's ruins die? Even if Xu Xiaoshou was lucky enough to survive this time, he must be riddled with injuries, right? He must be faking it!" "Where does he get the courage to face over a dozen Saints alone? Isn't this pure blasphemy?" "Remember, Saints must not be insulted!" "Well said, Elder Qin, get him!"

"Received Gaze, Passive Points +9999.""Received Disgust, Passive Points +9999.""Received Admiration, Passive Points +9999."Grandmaster Xu, the focus of global attention through the Orb of Preaching, seemed deaf. Qin Duan had already counted five, but Xu Xiaoshou, still feigning ignorance, said nothing, merely smiling with a slight smirk. His smile held three parts coolness, three parts mockery, and four parts nonchalance, as if specifically practiced. The sheer mischievousness that emanated from the depths of his soul made the wanted death row convicts from the Southern Region's Land of Sin curse aloud, temporarily shifting their allegiance from Grandmaster Xu to the Divine Temple. Supporting justice was everyone's duty.

Just as Qin Duan's aged face turned as dark as ink, and his countdown reached "one," his momentum gathered and poised to explode. Xu Xiaoshou suddenly let out a soft chuckle, slightly raised his hand, and beckoned with two fingers. Feng Zhongzui was abruptly forced closer. The Orb of Preaching provided a close-up, side-profile shot of Grandmaster Xu's face, broadcasting his disdainful gaze towards the mere Half-Saints to everyone before the Orbs of Preaching across the five regions: "And you, sir, are...?"

Qin Duan, holding the Red Lion-Head Halberd, was about to charge out. Seeing the Orb of Preaching timely switch to his view, he raised an eyebrow, straightened his posture, and boomed with full vigor: "Qin Duan, Half-Saint of the Siyami Qin family from the Northern Region!" Indeed, if this were a private, personal battle, Qin Duan would never have given Xu Xiaoshou ten breaths. A Half-Saint could afford to be shameless; tricks, deception, sneak attacks, assassinations—as long as he could succeed, Qin Duan would employ them all. But not now! Xu Xiaoshou held the advantage of timing. With Feng Zhongzui at his disposal, controlling the Orb of Preaching, he alone could manipulate continental public opinion. This battle was destined to be recorded in history and celebrated across the five regions. Qin Duan could be shameless, but the Siyami Qin family could not, at least not in front of the world. What was the point of fighting Xu Xiaoshou? Naturally, it was for fame, for profit, and for appearing righteous and noble! If he attacked while Xu Xiaoshou was speaking, even if he had counted down beforehand, and the Orb of Preaching broadcasted it, the Qin family would be seen as winning unfairly and would be despised by the world. By declaring his full name and family, if the Divine Temple were to... no, *when* they achieved victory, Qin Duan would be the primary contributor, and the Qin family would earn the merit of supporting the victor. With various rewards bestowed, would they still fear not being able to cultivate a third Half-Saint after Qin Duan and Qin Guan within their clan? It was even very possible that he could directly join the Council of Ten!

"Qin... Duan..." Xu Xiaoshou murmured to himself, his gaze casually sweeping across the entire scene, chuckling softly. It was hilarious! Truly absurd! He had merely tested the waters, and the effect was surprisingly potent. With the Orb of Preaching, which held absolute control over everyone who cared about their reputation, Xu Xiaoshou no longer needed to guide or strategize. Feng Zhongzui alone could rival Dao Qiongcang's thirty million Heavenly Seeker Lions, maxing out the deterrence! Xu Xiaoshou had no interest in learning about Qin Duan, this nameless Half-Saint; what interested him were the passive points that skyrocketed as Qin Duan counted down. And since this wasn't the main target, his gaze quickly bypassed "that Qin fellow" and landed on Ai Cangsheng in the wheelchair. Without any unnecessary movements, Xu Xiaoshou's eyes swept over the collection of lesser Half-Saints on the plaza before he dared to speak: "Doggy Ai, is this your trump card?"

The five regions immediately erupted. The Orbs of Preaching in various locations nearly shattered from the rising clamor. What did Grandmaster Xu say? Was he truly someone who wouldn't rest until he shocked the world? He dared to call Emperor Cang Sheng... "Doggy Ai"? "What a wonderful nickname!" "I unilaterally declare that from today onwards, the most arrogant person in the world is no longer that lousy eight-fingered cripple; only our Grandmaster Xu enjoys that title exclusively!" "Hahaha, I'm dying of laughter! The venerable patriarch of the Siyami Qin family was completely ignored by Grandmaster Xu. Is he really not afraid of the Braised Lion-Head Halberd? That's an ancient relic artifact!" "Look, look! Doggy Ai hasn't even spoken, but Qin Duan... err, Elder Qin's face has turned black! I wish I could be there to watch; how could they not fight after this?"

Presumptuous! Incredibly presumptuous! Qin Duan's beard nearly bristled off his face. Xu Xiaoshou's blatant disregard truly ignited his rage. A young brat barely in his twenties, not even a fraction of his age, dared to be so disrespectful—who gave him the courage? "Die, before this Saint!" The Red Lion-Head Halberd flipped in his hand, its tip glowing brightly. Qin Duan's body surged with a fierce aura, radiating red light. He bent a knee, lowered an elbow, and his tiger-like eyes blazed, unleashing a heaven-shaking roar. "Blood Punishment Halberd!" Crimson light shot into the sky, its killing intent even dyeing half the firmament red. The Red Lion-Head Halberd flashed forward, aiming directly for Xu Xiaoshou's forehead, its momentum heavy and powerful, as if intending to shatter his skull with a single strike.

"What a ferocious aura!" Everyone before the Orb of Preaching held their breath. They all wanted to see if that world-renowned young man could withstand the first challenge from a Half-Saint elder. Grandmaster Xu merely tilted his head. The First Sword Immortal did not draw his sword. The one who tore apart the Qilin did not raise a hand. The Orb of Preaching displayed a picture of the audacious young man, whose nose had almost touched the halberd's gleam, yet he remained calm and unhurried, merely curling his lips and uttering words like pearls: "Old dog, begone!"

At this instant, whether on the battleground of Saint Mountain or among the people of the five regions before the Orbs of Preaching, everyone's heart sank. Time seemed to freeze... Space seemed to distort... Time had indeed stopped! Space had indeed solidified! Feng Zhongzui, bearing the Orb of Preaching, perceived the situation more clearly than anyone. He witnessed firsthand how, at that moment, Grandmaster Xu's gaze shifted, and across the entire Saint Mountain plaza, even the falling osmanthus blossoms halted in mid-air. Everyone ceased their movements, holding their breath. Half-Saint Qin Duan's skull-shattering halberd strike froze directly before Grandmaster Xu, who remained unmoving with a cold sneer, a chilling glint in his eyes... This was the final image! Feng Zhongzui continued to carry the mirror, slowly circling the two. The world was still, only he moved—this feeling was so wonderful, as if he were the fated protagonist! After leisurely circling once, Feng Zhongzui was quickly startled awake—he was pulled in again by a spatial sphere, forced to give Grandmaster Xu a close-up of his eyes...

"Boom!" A bizarre yet brilliant Dao Diagram of Intent flashed into existence and then vanished. Dazzling silver Sword Will surged abruptly from the depths of Grandmaster Xu's eyes. In an instant, a heavy momentum, like a giant pressing down, burst forth from his gaze, sweeping in all directions. That terrifying momentum severed the spatial-temporal freeze, forced Feng Zhongzui back, and compelled the Orb of Preaching to pull back for a panoramic shot, encompassing Qin Duan within the frame...

"Clatter, clang!""Rip!"Following the explosion of his protective spiritual artifacts, another crisp sound rang out as Qin Duan's clothes shredded into rags. The elder didn't even have time for fright to surface in his eyes. His halberd-holding hand was already covered in intersecting cracks, blood spurting out instantly. Immediately, his naked body was sent hurtling backward, compressed as if struck by a heavy hammer to the chest, propelled by the infinite aura contained within that single glance.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!" The R-rated image of an elderly nude body lasted only a blink of an eye in the Orbs of Preaching across the five regions, yet it defiled the viewers' minds. Qin Duan, his bones shattered, couldn't even let out a scream or express remorse. He was blasted from the front mountain plaza, through the Sacred Sovereign Hall, past the back mountain grotto-heaven, and then slammed into the protective spiritual array of Osmanthus Mountain.

"My heavens..." It happened so fast that Feng Zhongzui couldn't even utter a complete gasp. Suddenly, the spatial sphere trapping him lifted again, pulling him high into the air. After spinning two full rotations, his body stopped, and the Orb of Preaching's view perfectly captured a bird's-eye view of Osmanthus Mountain... The world grew silent once more. This time, the mirror showed tens of thousands of spiritual cultivators on the mountain's waist and foot, standing at the array points, watching the battle in rapt attention, completely oblivious to the impending disaster.

"No way?" Feng Zhongzui's pupils dilated as he watched the mountain-protecting spiritual array transform from invisible to visible, then slowly ripple, the waves converging like a twisting, shifting tsunami. He had just uttered an incredulous murmur when, in the next breath... "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!" The grand mountain-protecting array was directly blasted through by the residual power of that single gaze. From the waist to the foot of Osmanthus Mountain, blood and lightning raged as countless people were sent flying by the array's backlash, perfectly illustrating the meaning of "utter chaos"!

"Whoosh!" The people before the Orbs of Preaching collectively leaped back, their hearts seizing up from the sheer power and momentum contained within that single gaze, even from afar. In contrast, after the roar of Saint Mountain's explosion pushed a massive mushroom cloud into the sky, what remained was a deathly silence across the mountain.

"Gulp." Feng Zhongzui swallowed hard. He finally understood completely that he was merely a two-legged humanoid tripod for the Orb of Preaching. From shooting techniques to geometric framing, from pacing to switching between wide shots and close-ups... Grandmaster Xu had his own ideas and absolutely no need for outside interference! So, what purpose could he still serve? Without value, wouldn't he be a disposable pawn for Grandmaster Xu? Feeling the complete silence of the scene and glimpsing Grandmaster Xu's nonchalant expression, Feng Zhongzui quickly realized. He could still provide emotional value!

Feng Zhongzui snatched the Orb of Preaching back, aimed it at himself, and began howling with a distorted face and tearing voice: "Sword Will! The profound truth of the Dao of Intent! This is the perfect combination of ancient sword techniques and profound divine sense, a new type of oppressive profound divine sense that Cao Erzhu spoke of, and another brand-new cultivation path that Grandmaster Xu is pioneering! This is history, a milestone, and it will undoubtedly be another epoch-making feat! What exactly just happened? Didn't see clearly? No worries! Let's take a look at the replay..."

Feng Zhongzui desperately wanted to see the replay. He gripped the mirror and focused on the details. After confirming it was indeed a combination of Sword Will and the profound truth of spiritual cultivation, he slapped his forehead with one hand, crying out in disbelief: "How incredibly exquisite! Grandmaster Xu's single glance shattered Elder Qin's clothes, gravely wounded him, blasted him out of the battlefield, and simultaneously, its residual power breached the Saint Mountain's grand array, directly delivering a warning to the Divine Temple? He is lawless, invincible among Saints! Such is the Saint Servant, such is the First Pavilion in Heaven, and such is Grandmaster Xu's power. Now, how will Doggy Ai... I mean, Emperor Cang Sheng, contend with this?"

Despite his words, Feng Zhongzui knew his current stance and whom he should speak for, pose for, and glorify. He understood ancient sword cultivators too well! He knew that if one didn't boast after a battle, it was as good as not having fought at all. Carrying the Orb of Preaching, he was about to rush to Grandmaster Xu, to give him a moment for a statement...

Feng Zhongzui was immediately pulled behind Grandmaster Xu by the spatial sphere. He instantly realized he had overstepped; his talent for broadcasting had no chance of being showcased before Grandmaster Xu. He could only barely capture Grandmaster Xu's back, which wasn't ideal... So, Feng Zhongzui adjusted his position, bringing the small figure of Ai Cangsheng in his wheelchair into the frame, intending to observe his subtle expressions.

He hadn't seen anything yet. Suddenly, the quality changed! The world abruptly darkened, a silver moon formed high above, and a solitary tower rose in the void. Grandmaster Xu, now clad in black, stood coldly atop the solitary tower, the hem of his dark robe fluttering in the wind. With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed down at the entire scene with an unfathomable First Sword Immortal demeanor—a demeanor that Beibei had always longed to achieve but never once succeeded at—and shook his head with a soft sigh: "Doggy Ai, if this is all you have, I am very disappointed in you."