First Immortal of the Sword

Five of the top ancient factions had formed an alliance and pointed their swords at Nine Tripod City!

This news shook the entire nation.

The world’s cultivators realized that the ancient factions were going to attack after all. They wanted to seize the imperial clan’s territory and authority!

If they emerged victorious, the Great Xia’s balance of power would change irrevocably. The five ancient factions would emerge as its new leaders!

Some people thought, “The ancient factions are really after the imperial family’s power and authority. Killing Su Yi… is an afterthought.”

After all, Su Yi was just one person. No matter how heaven-defying or incredible he was, he wasn’t worth the ancient factions waging war over.

Their true goal had to be to divvy up the imperial family’s territories and take over!

“The grand battle to follow is sure to be incomparably fierce. It’ll go down in the annals of history. Whoever wins will rule everything beneath the heavens!” one of the older-generation cultivators said with certainty.

When word spread, countless people swarmed toward Nine Tripod City from all directions.

This battle’s importance was enough to balance the entire nation’s balance of power. This would be the most important battle before the onset of the Radiant Epoch.

“We… might well bear witness to history!” Some people were full of eagerness.

“Why aren’t the Deathbringer’s Netherworld Palace and the Dongguo Family participating? The imperial family is like a fatty piece of meat. Don’t tell me they aren’t interested in a piece?”

Many debated why two of the top ancient factions were choosing not to get involved, but no one had a definite answer.

……

When they sensed the brewing storm, numerous monsters of the ancient era and geniuses of the present day proceeded toward Nine Tripod City.

Their ranks included Zeng Pu, Chi Jiansu, Gu Cangning, Li Handeng, Buddhist Son Chen Lu, and many others.

Quite a few of the top geniuses of the Ranking of Stars headed to the capital too!

These were dazzling figures, people whose names shook their respective regions. People like them weren’t overly concerned with whether or not the imperial family fell.

They were more interested to see whether or not Su Yi could overcome this storm alive!

After all, since re-entering the Great Xia’s world of cultivation, he’d killed Chu Yunke and several other members of Hidden Cloud Sword Mountain, defeated Dongguo Feng at Cloudsky Divine Palace, and slain Dongguo Hai and six other Spiritual Incarnation experts. 

This glorious record of accomplishments meant that the world’s eyes were on Su Yi once more.

There were even rumors that Bluecloud Tower would soon publish a revised Ranking of Stars, and that this time, Su Yi would appear in the top three!

Yet such an unmatched figure was now the joint target of five top ancient factions. Who wouldn’t have paid attention?

…

As people gathered to watch history unfold, Nine Tripod City itself became desolate and deserted. 

Ever since word of the five ancient factions’ joint invasion spread, the capital’s inhabitants fled like startled birds and left the city.

Even the ordinary mortals were well aware that when the grand battle began, the destruction would most likely devastate the capital!

Remaining within its walls would be no different from throwing their lives away.

This was what they meant when they said, “A city and its inhabitants fall together.”

Thus, in just a few days, more than half the population, cultivators and ordinary folk alike, hurriedly left the city.

The once first-rate, bustling metropolis was all of a sudden devoid of life, empty, and deserted.

Its former prosperity flowing away like water.

“The once grand Nine Tripod City is now utterly deserted.” Atop Mount Heavenbristle, the Xia Emperor stood with his hands behind his back and sighed.

He then looked at Weng Jiu. “What’s the situation over with the clan?”

Weng Jiu said with obvious concern, “Disaster looms, and their hearts are heavy, but fortunately, there hasn’t been any turmoil. Thus far, they’ve all obeyed your orders and remained within Mount Heavenbristle.”

His voice was grave, and a bit hoarse.

The Xia Emperor seemed calm by comparison. “It’s enough that things are stable.”

After a moment’s silence, Weng Jiu said, “My lord, what if Fellow Daoist Su…”

The Xia Emperor interrupted him before he could finish the thought. “Ol’ Jiu, there’s no greater taboo than constantly second-guessing your decisions. The costs outweigh the benefits. Besides, I’ve never once thought Fellow Daoist Su would lose!”

He spoke with staunch assurance. This wasn’t just an attempt to comfort himself; he was truly confident in Su Yi.

“Right, what has Fellow Daoist Su been up to lately?” asked the Xia Emperor.

Weng Jiu’s expression instantly turned a bit strange. “The same as ever. He cultivates when it’s time to cultivate, rests when it’s time to rest, and occasionally strolls through the city with Miss Xinzhao. Yesterday, when I went to visit him, I discovered that even the spirit carp of Azurecloud Court’s pond have gotten fatter since he arrived…

Here, he sighed with admiration. “I have to say, Fellow Daoist Su’s ability to keep his cool is the most impressive I’ve ever seen in my life. Heaven and earth could crumble around him, and he wouldn’t so much as furrow his brow.”

The Xia Emperor couldn’t help but let out a burst of hearty laughter. “There’s a calm before every storm! This only makes me feel even greater assurance. It even…”

“Even what?” Weng Jiu asked curiously.

The Xia Emperor’s eyes shone as he stared into the distance. “It even makes me wonder what will happen if Fellow Daoist Su takes down the forces of five ancient factions at once. How will the balance of power change then?”

Weng Jiu pondered this briefly. He couldn’t help but freeze where he stood.

His heart swelled with emotion.

……

Azurecloud Court.

Su Yi sprawled out in his wicker chair, perfectly content as he soaked in the springtime sunlight.

He held a begonia seed in his hand.

A wisp of the power of the Grand Dao shot out of his fingers, and the seed trembled, then suddenly sprouted and grew, swaying in the wind.

In just a few breaths of time, it had tender green leaves and a flowerbud. 

With a faint, barely audible crack, the bud bloomed into white, jade-like petals. They seemed vibrant and alive, and their surfaces reflected the sunlight like crystals. They were a beautiful sight.

However, after reaching the peak of its beauty, the begonia’s leaves dried up and turned yellow. Its petals dimmed and withered, and it fell limply into Su Yi’s open palm.

From a seed to a flower, from new life to withering, from growth to death. In but an instant, it completed its full life cycle.

Su Yi silently stared at the withered petals and dried leaves piled atop his palm. He exerted his will, and the abundant power of the Grand Dao circulated. Countless, minute begonia seeds sprouted amidst the withered petals and dried leaves, and the cycle of growth began anew.

A faint smile tugged at Su Yi’s lips.

This was the Mysterious Truth of Genesis!

“Genesis” referred to the very beginning. When an era began, life was born anew!

This Mysterious Truth combined the five elements, wind and thunder, and Yin and Yang, three peerless Dao Charms. It was a supreme Spirit Dao Mysterious Truth. 

“Now, I’m finally a true Spirit Dao cultivator!” Su Yi sighed.

It was only in the Spirit Dao that one could refine their Natal Spirit Treasure and gain enlightenment into the truths of the Grand Dao.

Only those who’d mastered both were worthy of the title “advanced.” Furthermore, this was why Spirit Dao cultivators were often referred to as “advanced cultivators.”

Not long ago, Su Yi forged his Natal Spirit Weapon, Abstruse Celestial.

And now, he’d condensed the Mysterious Truths of Genesis. His power of the Grand Dao had completely transformed into the power of genesis!

Compared to when I first broke into the Spiritual Manifestation Realm, my cultivation has undergone a thorough transformation. Even if I searched the Wilds, its subsidiary worlds, and all of its long history, I’m afraid I couldn’t find anyone capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me…

Su Yi couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated by this.

He couldn’t find suitable opponents within the same realm, making it difficult to determine just how strong he was…

Suddenly, he found himself rather looking forward to the ancient factions’ attack.

I hope they send a few tough customers, thought Su Yi.

“Brother Su, only three days remain until the tenth,” said Wen Xinzhao. As she walked in, she passed Su Yi a cup of clear tea.

The forces of the five allied ancient factions were due to attack Nine Tripod City on the tenth!

Su Yi accepted the cup and took a sip of tea before asking, “What, are you worried that I won’t be a match for them?”

“No, I have faith in you. There’s no way you’ll lose!” Wen Xinzhao said with complete confidence. Her eyes shone with conviction so firm, not even the collapse of the heavens or destruction of the sun and moon could shake it!

Su Yi laughed dryly. “I actually rather hope they won’t disappoint me.”

….

The tenth day of the third lunar month.

When the first rays of sunlight illuminated the world below, the vast imperial capital was already deserted. 

The city was typically a scene of prosperity, but the smoke and crowds of mortal life had vanished without a trace.

Only the subordinates of the imperial family still hurriedly carried out their duties in the streets.

However, the scene outside the city was something else altogether.

Countless cultivators had gathered from all over, and they were clustered beyond the city.

There were people everywhere. The crowd stretched as far as the eye could see.

In addition to members of the thirteen provinces’ sects, there were experts of other ancient factions. Everyone was waiting.

“If the imperial family loses today, Nine Tripod City will likely be reduced to rubble…” someone sighed.

“If a city is destroyed, it can be rebuilt, but when someone dies, they’re gone for good! I have no idea why the imperial family is so confident. Why haven’t they lowered their heads even now?” someone sighed.

“Five of the top ancient factions have set their sights on Su Yi. I have to say, there’s no one else like him!” said another. This declaration resonated with many of those present.

Su Yi was far too strong.

On Sumeru Immortal Island, he slew an entire group of monsters of the ancient era. At the time, that made him the top figure of the younger generation.

Following his reappearance, he slew Chu Yunke, defeated Dongguo Feng, and executed Dongguo Hai and his followers.

Who’d dare disregard someone like that?

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“But this time, he’s dead beyond a shadow of a doubt!” Someone laughed coldly.

Many people instantly fell silent. They couldn’t argue with that.

Before the five ancient factions began this operation, they mentioned Su Yi by name, saying that they’d be sure to see him dead!

How could Su Yi possibly survive under such circumstances?

Suddenly, the boundless calling of a warhorn emanated from afar, rumbling throughout heaven and earth.

The clamor and debate disappeared without a trace.

Everyone’s hearts shook, and all of them looked over.

The experts of the five participating ancient factions had finally arrived!