Chapter 149: The Sword Sovereign Emerges

Souls don’t wear clothes. The Sword Sovereign’s soul-form clothing was entirely illusionary—essentially, he’d been streaking for four thousand years. Now that he’d returned to his physical body, he finally had something to wear again.

He still felt a bit uncomfortable. The urge to leave his body and roam the world with divine sense was bubbling up.
He quickly suppressed that dangerous thought.

Now fully unified in body and soul, the Sword Sovereign sat upright on the throne, his eyes sharp like lightning. He truly looked the part of a Sword Sovereign. Now that he had fully regained control of the Sword Tomb’s rules, he could manipulate the realm as he pleased.

The two returned to the second level, only to find that two familiar faces had appeared beside Qin Luan—Zhang Long and Lu Bucong, the two who had once invited Jiang Li to tea and snacks at a roadside stall.

“What? Your sect elders waiting outside the Sword Tomb are only at the Nascent Soul Stage?” Zhang Long was shocked.

“Fellow Daoist Qin Luan, we appreciate your help, but that was reckless. Those guys have a Soul Formation Stage elder guarding the outside of the Sword Tomb!” Lu Bucong said worriedly. “When they come to pressure us, none of us will have a good time.”

Clenching his teeth, he said, “This all started because of the two of us. Once we leave the Sword Tomb, we’ll distract them while you guys escape during the chaos!”

“That won’t work either. They’ve also set their sights on Fellow Daoist Seven Kill’s Twin Serpent Swords—they’re definitely watching all of you!”

“What do we do now?” Lu Bucong and Zhang Long were pacing anxiously.

“No need to worry, fellow Daoists,” Song Ying reassured. “We entered the mystic realm with our elder. With him here, we’ll be just fine.”

“Elder? Don’t tell me you’ve got some deep backing—a major sect, with a Tribulation Stage senior?” Zhang Long was skeptical. The only people who could bypass the Sword Tomb’s rules to enter would have to be at least Tribulation Stage.

There’s no way the Human Sovereign himself would be slumming it in the Sword Tomb, right? That guy would have to be incredibly idle.
If he were that free, why wouldn’t he just hang out at a tea stall?

“Well… it’s not like we have a Tribulation Stage elder…”

“What’s with all the noise?”

Jiang Li and the Sword Sovereign appeared nearby.

Seeing the Human Sovereign and the Sword Sovereign, who had reclaimed his body, Qin Luan and the others quickly bowed.

“Qian Li?” Zhang Long and Lu Bucong recognized Jiang Li.

Jiang Li greeted them.

“Here’s what happened,” Qin Luan stepped forward to explain. “These two are Fellow Daoist Zhang Long and Fellow Daoist Lu Bucong. They obtained two mid-grade Magic Artifact-level spirit swords and were targeted. The other party tried to coerce them into selling at a low price, and even threatened that if they didn’t, they’d be hounded in the Great Sui Dynasty.”

“These two were stubborn—honest and hot-blooded—so they outright refused. The others got angry and tried to snatch the swords by force.”

“I couldn’t stand it, so I stepped in. Li Fugui helped too. Of course, they couldn’t beat me. But then they noticed Li Fugui’s Twin Serpent Swords and, as they left, they threatened us. Said we’d better stay in the mystic realm forever, or else their master would make us pay once we’re out.”

“People like that aren’t worthy of being sword cultivators. They’re a disgrace to the Sword Dao.” The Sword Sovereign was visibly displeased.

Aside from Jiang Li, anyone capable of comprehending three sword forms and reaching the second level was considered a sword cultivator—even if they didn’t specialize in it.

The Sword Sovereign called himself such because he believed sword cultivators should be like gentlemen—graceful and honorable. Thugs who relied on force to bully others didn’t deserve the title.

Every sword in the second level of the Sword Tomb had been won by the Sword Sovereign in a wager—none were taken by force.

The threats only troubled Zhang Long and Lu Bucong. Everyone else was unbothered, even the little fox. She’d already recognized who “Mr. Jiang” really was.

Able to ignore the Sword Tomb’s rules and pull swords like plucking radishes, and with the surname Jiang—who else could it be but the current Human Sovereign, Jiang Li?

Qin Luan really was blessed with great fortune—he’d backed the right person. The little fox was secretly thrilled.

“Congratulations on regaining your physical body, senior!” Song Ying was the sharpest of the group, and her well-timed congratulations made the Sword Sovereign’s furrowed brow relax.

The little fox cupped her paws and squeaked a few celebratory sounds. Judging by age and cultivation, she was certainly the Sword Sovereign’s junior.

“Congratulations on regaining your body, senior.” Seven Kill Daozi and Qin Luan followed suit.

“Congratulations on regaining your body, senior.” Though they didn’t understand the context, Zhang Long and Lu Bucong echoed the sentiment.

The Sword Sovereign wasn’t as widely known as Jiang Li—he wasn’t someone easily recognized just walking down the street. And being from four thousand years ago, Zhang Long and Lu Bucong naturally didn’t know him.

Still, they could more or less guess his status, and their hearts were pounding.

“Good, good, good!” The Sword Sovereign laughed heartily, his earlier annoyance dissipating.

Indeed—today was the great day he’d reclaimed his body. Why let such filthy matters spoil it?

“Sword Sovereign, this junior congratulates you. As your peer, you should offer something in return,” Jiang Li said with a grin.

The Sword Sovereign laughed again. “True! I almost forgot.”

“You’re called Song Ying, yes?” The Sword Sovereign had a good impression of her—everyone likes clever, adorable juniors. “I see you don’t specialize in the Sword Dao, and you don’t even use a spirit sword, so gifting you one would be pointless.”

He released sword energy from his fingers, curled them slightly into a half-fist, and when he opened his hand, five pitch-black pills lay in his palm.

“These are Sword Pills, each containing one of my sword intents. Crush one in battle, and even a Soul Formation cultivator could die. Fusion Stage cultivators hit head-on would be seriously injured.”

He handed the five pills to Song Ying, who carefully stored them in her gourd—they were lifesavers. Though Qin Luan always managed to escape danger, it was like walking a tightrope. With these pills, their journey would be far safer.

“This little… fox.” The Sword Sovereign wanted to say “Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox,” but saw the little fox frantically winking at him. He guessed she didn’t want to expose her identity.

He tapped her forehead.

“I’m not familiar with the arts of illusion or charm. But I once stumbled upon a hidden site of your fox clan’s ancestor. I just placed a mark on your mind—that’s a map to the hidden site. If you have time, check it out.”

The little fox raised her paw in thanks.

The Sword Sovereign took the spirit sword he’d been attached to and etched layer upon layer of restrictions onto it, reducing its quality until it was merely a high-grade Spirit Artifact.

He handed the sword to Qin Luan.

“This sword is called Yunhuang. I used it before reaching the Tribulation Stage. It can part clouds and reveal the wilds, change the heavens and the earth. If you force its power, you’ll be like a toddler swinging a warhammer—more likely to hurt yourself than the enemy. I’ve sealed it to match your current level. As your cultivation improves, you can slowly lift the seals until it shows its true might.”

“Don’t disgrace Yunhuang’s name,” the Sword Sovereign warned.

“Thank you, Sword Sovereign.”

“Li Fugui, among your group, your passion for the Sword Dao stands out.” The Sword Sovereign nodded. “I see you’re using Sword Pavilion techniques. Are you one of my sect’s disciples?”

“Reporting to the Sword Sovereign, I’m a Daozi of the Ruthless Sect. According to records, our founder came from the Sword Pavilion, so we’re technically a branch sect.”

“The Ruthless Sect? Then you walk the path of the Ruthless Sword Dao?” The Sword Sovereign was puzzled. “But you seem rather cheerful—doesn’t fit the ruthlessness.”

The Sword Dao is split into the Emotional and Ruthless paths. The Sword Sovereign walked the Emotional Sword Dao.

Seven Kill Daozi answered bitterly, “As the Sect Leader’s son, I had to cultivate the Ruthless Sword Dao. But I’m not a ruthless person by nature—so how could I cultivate it? So during the day, I pretend to train the Ruthless Sword Dao, and at night I secretly practice the Emotional one. I got so good at pretending that everyone thought I was the most ruthless, so they made me the Daozi.”

“I’ve always worn a blank face in the sect, pretending to be cold.”

“…That must’ve been hard on you.” The Sword Sovereign had never met someone like this. “Since you’re technically a Sword Pavilion branch disciple, I’ll take you as my student and pass on my legacy.”

Seven Kill Daozi was completely dazed by the sudden stroke of good fortune. What did he ever do to deserve becoming the disciple of the legendary Sword Sovereign?

He quickly dropped to his knees and formally bowed. “Master, I, Li Fugui, offer you my respects!”

“Hahaha, get up, my disciple!”

The Sword Sovereign took out two small wooden tokens shaped like swords and handed them to Zhang Long and Lu Bucong. “These are my tokens. If you ever run into trouble in the future, come to the Sword Pavilion. I’ll help you once.”

Zhang Long and Lu Bucong were stunned. They couldn’t believe their wild guess turned out to be true. The Sword Sovereign, missing for four thousand years, had just appeared before them—and even given them the legendary Sword Sovereign’s token.

With this token, they had something far more useful than any spirit sword.

As for the threats outside the Sword Tomb? They were long forgotten.

The only thing that puzzled them now was the true identity of this “Fellow Daoist Qian Li.” For him to converse with the Sword Sovereign as an equal, he must be a Tribulation Stage cultivator—but they didn’t know a single one, so they had no way of matching him to a name.

“Congratulations on regaining your body, Sword Sovereign,” Jiang Li offered his sincere congratulations—while extending a hand for a gift.

The Sword Sovereign gave a bitter smile. “Please spare me. What could I possibly have that would catch your eye? If you really want something, take my body and turn it into a puppet, how about that?”

“I’m not interested in Tribulation Stage puppets. Maybe if it were Immortal-level. But I do have a favor to ask,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “The Dao Sect’s current master, Bai Hongtu, claims to be the number one sword cultivator in the Nine Provinces. I’d like you to duel him.”

“If it’s him, then he’s worthy of the title.” The Sword Sovereign recalled Bai Hongtu, who had been only at the Golden Core Stage back then, but whose sword talent was among the most extraordinary he’d ever seen—on par with himself.

Now he was intrigued. Four thousand years ago, he himself was called the number one sword cultivator. Even without Jiang Li’s prompting, once he recovered his cultivation, he would have challenged this younger generation’s so-called “best.”

With Jiang Li’s guidance and a better understanding of the origin of his heart demon, the Sword Sovereign had undergone a transformation—not just in temperament but also in cultivation. He was stronger than ever before, and curious to see just how much substance this new “number one” truly had.

The Dao Sect was about to get a real show. Jiang Li grinned inwardly—it was definitely going to be worth the trip.

…

“Disciple, you said you obtained the male sword, only for it to be stolen by a villain who also took the female sword. Is that true?” Xuan Beizi asked loudly, his eager expression drawing the attention of those around.

“Absolutely true!” Wang Jue swore, full of conviction. “Master, you know my sword talent. It’s only natural I’d pull the male sword. But that scoundrel, with help from his cronies, ambushed me and stole it! All these people can vouch for me!”

His followers nodded rapidly, echoing, “What Big Brother said is right!”

Xuan Beizi thought to himself, Like hell I don’t know your sword talent. If you could draw even a low-grade Magic Artifact-level spirit sword, that sword must be blind. Clearly, this little thief saw something valuable and tried to take it.

Still, Xuan Beizi didn’t care if his disciple was lying. In fact, he supported him. After all, he had dollar signs in his eyes too—he wanted those swords.

Those were the very swords the Sword Sovereign used during his Fusion Stage. If he could present them to Patriarch Yu Xingchen, he’d definitely earn favor.

The sect had rules forbidding theft or coercion. So Xuan Beizi figured he could use this opportunity to stir public opinion. If everyone outside the Sword Tomb already believed they were in the right, then even if he later used force to seize the swords, it would seem justified.

“Wang Jue’s sword was really stolen?” a bystander asked in surprise.

His friend scoffed, “You believe that guy? You must be new here. Everyone knows Wang Jue and his master are famous thugs. The only reason they haven’t gone full outlaw is because the Great Sui suppresses them. If they were in the Baize Dynasty, they’d be local tyrants. Even the Eight Vassal Kings would be begging them for pointers!”

“You’re calling him new, but you’re no better. The Eight Vassal Kings are ancient history. King Qiongqi and King Qilin are dead. The remaining six submitted and now worship Empress Baixue. No one dares call themselves ‘king’ anymore.”

“Seriously?”
“If I’m lying, I’m Wang Jue.”

Qin Luan and his group were the last to exit the Sword Tomb, instantly drawing attention.

“Master, it’s them! They stole my sword!” Wang Jue shouted dramatically, demanding justice.

Though they’d expected trouble, Seven Kill Daozi hadn’t imagined someone would flip the truth on its head so brazenly. The guy was blatantly turning the tables and biting back.

“Utter nonsense,” Qin Luan frowned, his good mood from receiving the Yunhuang sword completely ruined.

“You were the ones who tried to rob Fellow Daoists Zhang Long and Lu Bucong—and then set your sights on Seven Kill Daozi’s sword!” Song Ying declared righteously.

Wang Jue sneered, “Stop pretending to be victims. Let me be honest: my master is a Soul Formation powerhouse. Your lies won’t matter—he can see the truth with a single glance!”

The crowd fell silent. Indeed, no matter the truth, Xuan Beizi was the highest cultivation level present. Whether something was true or false didn’t matter—the only thing that mattered was what he believed.

This wasn’t the Great Zhou, where you could take it to the authorities. The Great Sui government wouldn’t dare meddle with someone like Xuan Beizi, who had the backing of the Vast Starry Sky Sect.

Whatever the outcome, getting involved would only bring trouble. Might even offend someone at the Fusion Stage.

Everyone could see Wang Jue was lying—but so what? In this world, might makes right.

“Master, you have to stand up for me,” Wang Jue urged, excited that Qin Luan’s group still hadn’t handed over the swords. That meant he had an excuse to act. “I said it—my master will make you regret this!”

But then he noticed something odd. Why hadn’t his master done anything yet?

Confused, Wang Jue turned. “Master?”

Xuan Beizi was drenched in cold sweat, his teeth chattering. A storm of panic was raging in his heart. Others might not recognize the Sword Sovereign—but how could he not?

As a mid-tier member of the Fearless Alliance, he had studied their origins. He had seen portraits of the Sword Sovereign.

That’s him! That’s absolutely the Sword Sovereign!

He’s back from the dead!

The Sword Sovereign—the very one that once struck fear into the Fearless Alliance—had returned!

Xuan Beizi wanted to strangle his disciple. This fool had managed to pick a fight with the Sword Sovereign. What a way to die—and worse, to drag him down with him.

“My disciple said you’d show us a good time,” the Sword Sovereign said coolly. “I wonder—what exactly did you plan to show us?”

Xuan Beizi forced out a smile that was uglier than crying.

“Do you think I… look good?”