First Immortal of the Sword

Chapter 1339 - Viewing Enemies as Dried Bones Lying in Their Tombs

“Might I ask why you’ve come, sir?” Illuminating Emptiness opened the doors of Universal Emptiness Temple and saw an elder standing not far away.

The old man’s hair was tied into a Daoist topknot, and his Daoist robes were as red as fire. He had the air of an immortal.

“This old man has come here to see your founder, the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha, and Fellow Daoist Su,” the old man said with a smile.

Illuminating Emptiness frowned. “I’m asking why you’re here!”

He could tell at a glance that the old man, Li Zhong, had extraordinary origins. However, this was the old monk’s territory. Here, had ample confidence, and he wasn’t at all afraid.

The old man was obviously stunned, but a moment later, he laughed, not at all concerned. “A monk ought to avoid greed, anger, and foolishness. I’m afraid your disposition isn’t at all befitting of a Buddhist cultivator.”

Bang!

Illuminating Emptiness slammed the temple doors shut and grumbled, “Damned Daoist. You’re here as a guest, so why put on airs? And you even dared criticize me? You’re practically begging me to curse you out.”

He shook his head, turned, and was just about to leave when he realized that the founder had appeared beside him.

“Founder, what are you doing?” Illuminating Emptiness felt a bit guilty.

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha glanced at him and transmitted, “The old-timer outside our gates was an old monster even in ancient times, the type to kill a man without even blinking. All who offend him have their bodies refined into lamp oil and their souls locked within the wick of the lamp’s candle. They can neither return to life nor die a proper death. They’re just trapped there for all eternity, unable to find release. Would you... like to experience that?”

Illuminating Emptiness gasped, and his face turned green as he forced a smile. “With you here, Founder, what’s there to be afraid of?”

He obviously knew he’d messed up.

“I can protect you for now, but can I protect you for a lifetime?” The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha said irritably. “Step aside. Don’t speak rashly any further.”

With that, he walked up and opened the temple gates.

The old man in Daoist robes was still standing outside, his bearing tranquil and his expression warm, as if he weren’t the least bit angry. He said with a laugh, “Buddhist Brother, long time no see.”

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha sighed. “I wouldn’t have thought you’d survive the End of the Dharma too, you old monster.”

In ancient times, there were nine great yao monarchs, each an unparalleled hegemon of the Cloud Soaring Realm.

This old man, Li Zhong, was one of them. The people knew him as the Mountain-Overturning Yao Monarch!

Li Zhong laughed. “I’ve always been afraid of death, and that’s helped me live a bit longer than most.”

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha bowed subtly. “Please, come in.”

Li Zhong gazed into the temple, then subtly shook his head. “This is a Buddhist temple, an otherworldly pure land. An old yao like me would be out of place. It’s best if I remain outside.”

“Are you afraid?”

Sword Immortal Qingshi’s voice emanated from the temple’s depths.

Li Zhong’s gaze focused, but then, he laughed. “Ah, so you’re there too, Sword Immortal Qingshi. I finally understand why no one dared enter the temple during the recent battle here.”

Sword Immortal Qingshi appeared out of nowhere, beneath one of the temple’s trees. He said with cool indifference, “No need for wasted breath. Just tell me why you’re here.”

He wasn’t polite at all.

Li Zhong laughed. “Might you ask Fellow Daoist Su to come out and see me? This involves him.”

“Speak.”

The ground was blanketed in fallen yellow leaves. The twilight was increasingly dark. Su Yi reclined beneath its waning light, entirely unmoving. His eyelids didn’t so much as twitch.

His attitude made Li Zhong’s brow furrow imperceptibly.

But a moment later, he laughed. “I said it earlier: I’m here on my young mistress’s orders, to establish a positive karmic tie with you, Fellow Daoist.”

“Positive karma again, huh...?” The corners of Su Yi’s lips twitched, and his interest faded. He couldn’t even be bothered to pay any further attention.

“Who is the young mistress you speak of?” Sword Immortal Qingshi couldn’t help but be surprised.

Li Zhong was an ancient yao expert. Even in ancient times, he was a top powerhouse of the yao path. Yet now, he was actually working for someone else!

Li Zhong’s expression was reserved, and his tone solemn. “Fellow Daoist, I’m sure you’ve heard of her. My young mistress is from an Immortal Lord Clan of the Immortal Realm. Her name is Mo Qingchou.”

Mo Qingchou!

When they heard this name, both the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha and Sword Immortal Qingshi’s eyelids twitched. Their expressions were instantly much more solemn.

Sword Immortal Qingshi asked, “What does she want?”

“She said that everyone beneath the heavens views Fellow Daoist Su with enmity. This has made his situation precarious. If things go on like this, who knows how much bloodshed will result?” Li Zhong said solemnly. “My young mistress is willing to step forth, quell the waves, and help Fellow Daoist Su avert disaster!”

When the crowd heard that, all of them understood.

But Su Yi couldn’t help but find it surprising. Just who is this Mo Qingchou person, to proclaim that she can help me ‘quell the waves’ when the whole world is against me?

I don't know about her power, but her confidence sure is right up there!

“What are your conditions?” Sword Immortal Qingshi got straight to the point.

“My young mistress thinks that a rare, miraculous genius like Fellow Daoist Su shouldn’t find himself trapped with no hope of reprieve. It would be a pity if he died. If Fellow Daoist Su is amenable, he can cultivate by the young mistress’s side. That way, he can find shelter from the wind and rain, and he’ll no longer need to worry about his future prospects.”

He’d only just said this when he looked at the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha and Sword Immortal Qingshi. “As I’m sure you know, given the young mistress’s background and foundations, if Fellow Daoist Su cultivates alongside her, he will have no need to fear failing to transcend mortality and become an immortal!

“Should he one day proceed to the Immortal Realm, he’ll surely soar to prominence, reaching heights others can only dream of!”

Here, Li Zhong’s eyes shone with a nigh imperceptible hint of longing.

Becoming an immortal was something most of the countless cultivators of the Human Realm could only dream of!

But only people like Li Zhong, who’d sought greater heights on the Path of Transcendence for countless years, really understood how difficult it was to prove one’s Dao and become an immortal!

But if Su Yi joined up with Mo Qingchou, it would be a completely different story.

He could achieve transcendence and immortality, and even a rapid rise to prominence in the Immortal Realm!

Sword Immortal Qingshi and the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha glanced at each other, then looked at Su Yi.

They couldn’t make this decision for him.

When Li Zhong saw this, he smiled faintly. He too looked at Su Yi, seemingly full of confidence.

This was a stroke of good fortune grand enough to help him become an immortal. Who could possibly refuse such an opportunity?

The ground was covered in fallen leaves. The air was desolate and cold.

Su Yi lay in his wicker chair and said distractedly, “My path doesn’t require relying on anyone else. So what if your young mistress is from the immortal realm? She’s just another revenant now. I don’t need her help, but she needs mine.”

He spoke with complete calm composure.

Li Zhong was stunned. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, he dared not believe his ears.

He was talking about helping Su Yi achieve immortality! Even top experts of the Path of Transcendence would have struggled to resist such a tempting offer. Who could have imagined someone would refuse it so casually?

Especially since Su Yi was now public enemy number one. Shouldn’t that have made him even more likely to seize any and every opportunity to save himself?

Li Zhong looked at Sword Immortal Qingshi and the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha. “Please permit me to speak bluntly. My words might be grating, but please, don’t take offense.”

Sword Immortal Qingshi immediately understood. He snorted coldly. “You’re saying that Ol’ Monk Universal Emptiness and I can’t protect Fellow Daoist Su?”

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha’s gaze frosted over too.

Li Zhong sighed. “You already understand the situation, so I’m sure you’ve realized that as time passes, more and more descendants of immortals and top experts who survived the End of the Dharma will enter the world. All of them are sure to target Fellow Daoist Su. How much of this... can you two resolve?”

Without even waiting for an answer, Li Zhong continued, “No one is willing to leave a sword hovering over their heads, and everyone longs to break their curse. All of this means that the world’s revenants will pursue Fellow Daoist Su relentlessly so long as breath remains in their bodies!”

“It’s only by joining my young mistress and cultivating alongside her that Fellow Daoist Su can avert disaster and turn this catastrophe into good fortune!”

He spoke with complete assurance.

Sword Immortal Qingshi and the Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha fell silent, their expressions uncertain.

How could they not realize that Li Zhong’s argument made sense? Joining Mo Qingchou was indeed a relatively safe choice.

But they also knew that the moment Su Yi agreed to follow her, he’d have to obey her orders, and his fate would no longer be his own!

“They won’t rest until they’re dead?” Su Yi laughed from his wicker chair. “Very well. They can go right ahead. As for your young mistress’s good intentions? I appreciate the thought. Illuminating Emptiness, please see off our guest.”

Illuminating Emptiness immediately stood up. “Please leave, old man!”

Li Zhong was obviously caught off guard. He couldn’t even imagine this. I spoke so clearly, but they’re still refusing me!

“You really should leave,” Sword Immortal Qingshi said calmly.

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha said, “Some will choose to lower their heads in hopes of becoming immortals, while others choose to forge their own path and cleave through heaven’s gates. Even if they fail, their pride will never waver. Fellow Daoist Su falls into the latter group.”

Li Zhong fell silent, his expression shifting and uncertain.

Finally, he gazed at the young man reclining in the wicker chair and said, “The young mistress said that it was fine if you refused, as she’d give you time to reconsider. She’s willing to wait patiently until you’re willing to accept her good intentions.”

Here, he clasped his fist, bowed slightly, and sighed. “But no matter what anyone might say, I cannot help but admire your spirit, Fellow Daoist. Farewell.”

With that, one of the Nine Yao Monarchs of the ancient era turned and left. It wasn’t long before he disappeared into the boundless light of dusk.

Night soon fell.

Illuminating Emptiness closed the temple gates, then gazed up into the dome of heaven. “If only I’d been offered such an opportunity... Becoming an immortal with no effort on my part? How wonderful would that be?”

Whap!

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha couldn’t take it anymore. He smacked Illuminating Emptiness’s bald head, making the monk clutch his skull and scamper away like a panicked rat.

“You unfilial disciple! If I don’t teach you a lesson now, you’re sure to anger me to death!”

The Universal Emptiness Sword Buddha’s beard bristled up, and his eyes bulged.

Sword Immortal Qingshi laughed and clapped his hands. “A well-deserved beating!”

Illuminating Emptiness clutched his skull and laughed dryly. “Don’t be angry, Founder! I was just saying! When it comes to pride, I’m not one whit inferior to my bro the Temple Master!”

“Perhaps, but in terms of shamelessness, I’m far inferior to you,” Su Yi said with a dry laugh.

He rose from his wicker chair, stretched, and was just about to head back to his room to rest when Sword Immortal Qingshi called out, “Fellow Daoist, aren’t you at all curious as to who Mo Qingchou is?”

Her status was far too lofty and extraordinary, and she’d just sent a mighty and influential yao like Li Zhong as her emissary. She obviously attached great importance to him. Yet now, Su Yi had directly refused her. It was hard to predict the consequences of this refusal.

Sword Immortal Qingshi felt it necessary to explain the situation completely. But Su Yi just stood there, hands behind his back, not even bothering to turn his head. “Heaven and earth are impartial. They treat all things as straw dogs. Those who view me with enmity shall soon be dried-up bones.

“It doesn’t matter who they are. All of my enemies will meet the same fate!”