Chapter 327: The First Sword Trial and the Siblings of the Golden Sun Sect!

“Changsheng.”

Xiao Xiyue felt her heart tremble upon hearing Lu Changsheng’s words.

On the way back with her master Yun Wanshang, they had talked about many things.

Among them, Yun Wanshang had asked her how she planned to deal with her feelings.

She was cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, which required her to break through by harnessing emotions.

Yet, if she got lost in these emotions, it would contradict the path she pursued, equivalent to abandoning the Great Dao.

Xiao Xiyue understood these principles well.

She had told her master earnestly that she was just cultivating and that she would surely break through when the time came.

But deep down, she knew she was just avoiding the issue.

After reaching the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, it had become increasingly difficult to break through the third layer of the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique and move towards Golden Core Formation.

“My master is injured and is currently healing.”

Xiao Xiyue lowered her head slightly, speaking softly.

Although she deeply longed to appear openly before the world with Lu Changsheng.

But just recently, she had assured her master that she was merely focused on cultivation.

Now, to suddenly bring Lu Changsheng to propose marriage would surely disappoint her master.

Moreover, her master was the head of the Enforcement Palace of the Azure Cloud Sect.

She was usually stern and strict, except towards her disciples.

She might even take out her displeasure on Lu Changsheng because of Xiao Xiyue’s situation.

“Xiyue.”

Lu Changsheng knew Xiao Xiyue very well.

He understood that she was still struggling with the issues in her cultivation.

Holding her slender shoulders, he looked into her clear, moon-like eyes and said gently, “If you seek the Dao, I won’t stop you, nor will I blame you. I just don’t want you to suffer.”

“I promised to find a way for you to have it all before you form your Golden Core. If I fail to find that way, you can sever this emotional bond entirely and focus on your path.”

“But even then, I will still bring Wangshu to the Azure Cloud Sect to take you home.”

Lu Changsheng spoke with seriousness.

Over the years, whenever this topic came up, she would get confused and lost.

He understood this well and tried to give her a sense of security to prevent her from overthinking.

After all, Xiao Xiyue’s cultivation method was inherently dangerous.

If this continued, she might develop inner demons one day.

“Changsheng.”

Xiao Xiyue’s expression was blank, her lips tightly pressed together, wanting to speak.

But Lu Changsheng gently placed a finger on her soft lips and said, “Let’s go. We’ll visit the Azure Cloud Sect. If your master is in seclusion, we’ll leave it at that.”

“If she’s not, we’ll pay our respects.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he spoke.

To him, the worst-case scenario was that Caiyun Zhenren wouldn’t like him.

But previously, when he encountered trouble at the Azure Cloud Sect, Caiyun Zhenren had helped him out, so he didn’t think she was that petty.

After all, a Golden Core Immortal, who views the world from above, wouldn’t care about trivial matters like marriage proposals.

“Okay.”

Xiao Xiyue was stunned for a moment before returning to her senses. A soft, sweet expression appeared in her beautiful eyes, and she nodded gently.

It was rare for her to see Lu Changsheng so assertive.

She knew he was doing this to reassure her and prevent her from feeling wronged.

“I’ll go prepare.”

“But should I prepare a gift when meeting your master?”

Lu Changsheng recalled how Caiyun Zhenren had seen through his cultivation level the last time he visited the Azure Cloud Sect.

So this time, it was necessary to conceal his Seventh Layer of Qi Refining and near-third-level body tempering.

Otherwise, if she saw through his cultivation, it might cause unnecessary trouble as his progress was indeed remarkable.

“No need to prepare anything.”

Xiao Xiyue smiled slightly as she spoke.

Then, Lu Changsheng quickly packed up.

Using the “Nine Treasures Dao Bone,” he sealed his cultivation at the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining and his body tempering at the early second level.

As for the gift, he prepared a few Spirit Talisman he had drawn himself.

After that, Lu Changsheng informed Ling Zixiao and left Bihu Mountain with Xiao Xiyue, heading towards the Azure Cloud Sect.

Yue Kingdom, Golden Sun Sect.

The Golden Sun Sect was hosting its once-every-five-years Sword Trial Tournament.

The competition had already reached the final stage, with excitement running high.

Not only had all the disciples gathered to watch, but many elders and even the Supreme Elders had come out of seclusion to observe.

After all, this Sword Trial wasn’t just a competition among the Golden Sun Sect disciples.

It also determined the distribution of spots and resources in the Qingming Secret Realm among the sect and the other great sects of Yue Kingdom.

If their disciples performed well, they could outshine the other sects in the Five Sect Competition, earning more spots and resources in the Qingming Secret Realm.

Therefore, the entire sect took this Sword Trial very seriously!

“Lu Qingshan from Tianyuan Peak, Gu Yunyang from Golden Cloud Peak!”

At this moment, the main referee elder announced loudly, holding a Jade Scroll.

As soon as the words fell, they instantly sparked great anticipation.

“It’s here, it’s here!”

“Finally, a truly intense showdown!”

“Lu Qingshan’s sword breaks all techniques, while Gu Yunyang excels in both magic and body cultivation, having perfected the Golden Sun Glazed Body. This is the perfect match!”

“But judging by their previous performances, I think Lu Qingshan will win.”

“Indeed, Lu Qingshan has defeated every opponent with just one strike, overwhelming them with strength. It’s suffocating!”

“I believe Senior Brother Gu is stronger. He’s already at the peak of Qi Refining, and if it weren’t for the Qingming Secret Realm, he would have broken through to Foundation Establishment long ago. Lu Qingshan is definitely not his match.”

“True, Lu Qingshan is formidable, but Senior Brother Gu has yet to fully unleash the power of his Golden Sun Glazed Body!”

“I think Lu Qingshan is stronger. Five years ago, he was only at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining and still ranked 30th in the Sword Trial Tournament. Now, at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, and having comprehended the first realm of Sword Dao, Sword Qi Like a Rainbow, he’s invincible in the same realm and will surely break through the Golden Sun Glazed Body!”

The audience was filled with chatter.

Clearly, Lu Qingshan’s performance in this Sword Trial had won him much recognition.

After all, among these disciples, Lu Qingshan was not only young and handsome.

In the previous tournament, he had consistently defeated stronger opponents, only losing in the end due to insufficient cultivation, leaving many people regretful and remembering his name, eagerly awaiting his performance this time.

This time, Lu Qingshan did not disappoint and rose powerfully.

He won every match with overwhelming force, making others envious and amazed!

Amidst the heated discussions, Lu Qingshan and Gu Yunyang had already stepped onto the stage.

“Junior Brother Lu, you’re quite good.”

Gu Yunyang’s expression was proud and aloof, his eyes filled with intense battle intent.

As a top genius of the Golden Sun Sect, he was arrogant but not to the point of overlooking others.

He knew that Lu Qingshan’s strength was not much weaker than his own.

“Senior Brother Gu.”

Lu Qingshan calmly and indifferently cupped his hands in salute.

Then he looked towards the distant audience, where his sister, Lu Qingzhu, was cheering for him. A smile appeared on his face, and he made a gesture.

Seeing this, Gu Yunyang’s expression darkened, feeling that Lu Qingshan did not take him seriously.

“Let the match begin.”

Once they were ready, the referee elder in the air announced.

“Golden Sun Glazed Body!”

Gu Yunyang roared on the stage.

His robe instantly turned into soft armor, his body swelled, and a golden, glazed sheen appeared on his skin, exuding an overwhelming aura.

“The Golden Sun Glazed Body… I didn’t expect Senior Brother Gu to go all out from the start!”

“But you’ve seen Lu Qingshan’s sword techniques. Underestimating him would be a mistake that could lead to defeat!”

“It looks like Senior Brother Gu’s Golden Sun Glazed Body has reached the quasi-second level, right?”

“Indeed, Gu Yunyang’s Golden Sun Glazed Body is just half a step away from breaking into the second level. Once he breaks through to Foundation Establishment, he can break through both.”

“Tsk tsk, this guy is really cautious. That soft armor must be the Blazing Sun Battle Robe, right?”

The disciples watching from the sidelines gasped in amazement, discussing fervently as they observed the two on stage.

Even some elders were now seriously watching the stage, making comments.

“Piercing Cloud Stab, Blazing Sun Slash!”

Without any hesitation, Gu Yunyang seized the initiative and attacked with full force.

His entire body blazed with a radiant aura, charging towards Lu Qingshan, his hand transforming into a long blade of scorching sun energy.

If one looked closely, they could see a sharp spike embedded in the blazing sun blade.

The spike was only an inch long, but it radiated a sharp, crystalline glow.

“First Sun!”

Lu Qingshan’s golden sword hummed softly as a sharp sword qi shot out.

“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—”

As soon as the sharp sword qi was unleashed, it seemed to twist like a mountain goat’s horn or spider silk, instantly shredding the raging blazing sun blade.

Immediately, the sword qi seemed to condense into an invisible drill, spinning and causing a surge of sword qi as it collided violently with the spike.

“This!?”

“He blocked it just like that?”

The disciples in the audience were stunned, surprised that Lu Qingshan had so easily neutralized Gu Yunyang’s attack with a casual swing of his sword.

They knew that most of them couldn’t have withstood such a powerful attack even if they were fighting with all their might.

Yet, Lu Qingshan had effortlessly neutralized the attack.

“This is… Sword Qi Manifestation!”

“Lu Qingshan is just at the Qi Refining stage, and it was already impressive that he comprehended Sword Qi Like a Rainbow. But to have also grasped Sword Qi Manifestation!”

“A genius, a true Sword Dao genius!”

“No, he’s an extraordinary Sword Dao genius!”

“For Tianyuan Junior Sister to be away for so long and still produce such a disciple!”

On the high platform, the elders of the Golden Sun Sect were shocked as they witnessed Lu Qingshan’s sword strike, realizing its profoundness.

The Sword Dao is divided into five realms: Sword Qi Like a Rainbow, Sword Qi Manifestation, Sword Qi Thunder Sound, Sword Refined into Silk, and Sword Light Division.

While these realms do not correspond directly to the Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core stages.

Comprehending any of these Sword Dao realms at any stage makes one an outstanding sword cultivator.

If one can comprehend Sword Qi Manifestation during the Qi Refining stage, they are worthy of being called a prodigy!

Although the Golden Sun Sect is not a pure Sword Dao sect, it does have Sword Dao heritage.

Now, seeing such an extraordinary Sword Dao genius emerge, they were filled with joy!

After all, the saying that sword cultivators are invincible in the same realm is no joke.

It’s a reputation earned through the battles of countless sword cultivators.

“Hmm!?”

On the stage, Gu Yunyang’s expression was also one of astonishment.

He hadn’t expected his attack to be so easily neutralized by Lu Qingshan.

This made his face turn grim, feeling deeply embarrassed.

After all, before the match, everyone had hailed him as the champion.

And Lu Qingshan was just a rising dark horse.

But now, this supposed champion was performing far worse than this dark horse.

“Great Light King Palm! Heavenly Fire Seal!”

He erupted with power, transforming into a golden war god, with flames emanating from his pores as he charged at Lu Qingshan like a blazing sun.

Knowing that his opponent was a sword cultivator, he believed he had a chance if he could get close.

“Rising Sun!”

Lu Qingshan’s expression remained calm as he suddenly slashed his golden sword.

“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—”

Instantly, sword qi coiled around Gu Yunyang like a spirit snake, causing the flames around him to roar and rage.

“Hiss, so this is Junior Brother Lu’s true strength!”

“Sword cultivation… This is the allure of sword cultivation!”

“Tsk tsk tsk, Sword Qi Manifestation, Sword Qi without Form… This kid’s Sword Dao talent is astonishing. Gu Yunyang has no way to exert his strength against him.”

“This level of Sword Dao talent is truly amazing!”

The disciples and elders in the audience sighed in amazement as they witnessed Lu Qingshan easily neutralize Gu Yunyang’s attack again.

“Damn it!”

Gu Yunyang’s face turned ugly as he continuously unleashed golden palms, wildly attacking, trying to strike Lu Qingshan.

But the sword qi clashed with him, leaving him helpless and frustrated, as he unleashed a barrage of attacks as if venting his anger.

He took out a small golden-red seal from his Storage Bag, forming a seal with his hands, causing a light barrier to form around him, his aura rising as he charged towards Lu Qingshan.

“Take this strike.”

Watching this, Lu Qingshan simply said calmly.

At that moment, his entire being exuded an awe-inspiring aura, erupting with a sharpness that seemed to tear the heavens, while his golden sword shone with a blazing golden light.

At that moment, everyone could feel an indomitable spirit from Lu Qingshan, a belief that he could overcome anything.

Just this aura, this sharpness, made countless people feel awe and admiration.

“This!”

On the high platform, several elders widened their eyes and stood up in shock.

“Boom!”

The golden light burst forth, transforming into a golden sun sword wheel that slashed towards Gu Yunyang.

The sword wheel was dazzling and radiant, as if it was flowing with multicolored rays, crashing into the light barrier around Gu Yunyang.

The barrier formed by the Top-Tier magical Artifact shattered like tofu.

But immediately, a layer of armor formed by Gu Yunyang’s Golden Sun Glazed Body appeared.

However, the armor shattered in an instant.

“No!”

His eyes filled with terror, as if Lu Qingshan’s sword strike was going to kill him.

But in the next moment, he realized that the sword light had disappeared, leaving him unharmed, only his armor dimmed.

“Thank you for the match.”

Lu Qingshan, in his golden-white robe, holding his golden sword, stood calmly on the stage.

Silence!

Absolute silence!

The entire arena was dead silent.

Everyone’s eyes were wide open, staring intently at Lu Qingshan, who was exuding a sharp aura and standing tall.

No one had expected that Lu Qingshan would win this final match so easily.

Although Gu Yunyang hadn’t been defeated as miserably as in some of the previous matches.

But it was precisely because he had used every method and still lost without suffering any damage that highlighted Lu Qingshan’s incredible strength.

Boom!

The next moment, the entire arena erupted in a frenzy.

“He’s unbelievably strong!”

“How is this possible? Did Senior Brother Gu really lose just like that?”

“Senior Brother Gu had no chance to fight back against Lu Qingshan!”

“Is he really just a Qi Refining cultivator?”

“Ahhh, Junior Brother Lu is so handsome, I love him!”

“A hot-blooded young man like Junior Brother Lu must like a woman like me with a heart as vast as the sea!”

“That last strike, I felt a hint of thunderous power. Could it be the legendary Sword Qi Thunder Sound!?”

“Impossible. Sword Qi Thunder Sound is the third realm of Sword Dao, and generally, only Golden Core cultivators can comprehend it!”

The people around the arena were in shock, their voices filled with disbelief and amazement.

“Good, good, good! I never expected our Golden Sun Sect to produce such a Sword Dao genius!”

“Indeed, with this disciple, our Golden Sun Sect will surely win the Five Sect Competition this time!”

“Not only did he comprehend Sword Qi Like a Rainbow and Sword Qi Manifestation, but he also seemed to have touched on Sword Qi Thunder Sound. Tsk tsk tsk, this kid is a born Sword Dao genius!”

On the high platform, the sect master and several elders of the Golden Sun Sect were all smiling in satisfaction.

They could say with confidence that as long as this disciple did not perish prematurely, his future would certainly include forming a Golden Core.

At the very least, the Golden Sun Sect would have a Top-Tier sword cultivator who was invincible in the same realm!

“Senior Brother Sect Master, since Tianyuan Junior Sister is often away from the sect, why not have him join my Golden Cloud Peak?”

“I’ll take him as a disciple and guide his cultivation. His talent won’t be wasted.”

At this moment, a stern-looking elder beside the Golden Sun Sect master spoke up.

“Senior Brother Golden Cloud, Gu Yunyang is already your disciple, and now you want to take Lu Qingshan as well?”

“Senior Brother Sect Master, although I don’t specialize in Sword Dao, I studied it extensively in my early years. Why not let Lu Qingshan come to my Qiuyang Peak, where I can offer him some guidance?”

Another elder immediately spoke up.

A disciple like Lu Qingshan was destined to rise and shine in the future.

Even if they couldn’t take him as a disciple, they would be willing to establish a teacher-student relationship.

“This disciple is Tianyuan Junior Sister’s, and he’s also her personal disciple. Such actions would be against the rules and etiquette of the sect.”

“However, when Tianyuan Junior Sister returns, I will discuss this matter with her.”

The Golden Sun Sect master raised his hand and spoke.

At this moment, even he believed that Immortal Tian Yuan, as Lu Qingshan’s master, was somewhat stunting his growth.

After all, they all knew that Immortal Tian Yuan often went out seeking opportunities, rarely returning to the sect.

Under such circumstances, it was not conducive to Lu Qingshan’s cultivation.

“Lu Qingshan wins!”

At this moment, the referee elder announced the result.

Even he looked at Lu Qingshan with a different expression now.

“Damn it.”

Gu Yunyang, looking at Lu Qingshan, who was retracting his sword and preparing to leave the stage, shouted, “Lu Qingshan, when I break through to Foundation Establishment, I will challenge you again. I will not lose to you!”

Many elders of the Golden Sun Sect nodded slightly at this.

Gu Yunyang was also a top genius of the Golden Sun Sect.

Naturally, they did not want him to lose his fighting spirit because of one match.

“Enemies who lose to me are never considered rivals. I’ll give you time to catch up until you can’t even see me in the distance.”

Lu Qingshan paused and said calmly.

“Hiss!”

Everyone was taken aback.

They hadn’t expected Lu Qingshan to be so arrogant!

No, this was confidence!

Absolute confidence in himself, believing in his invincibility!

Perhaps it was precisely this confidence that had led to his achievements in the Sword Dao!

At this moment, he perfectly embodied the pride and integrity of a sword cultivator!

“So strong… I wonder what kind of incredible talent he’ll show once he breaks through to Foundation Establishment!”

“With Lu Qingshan around, no one will be his match in the Five Sect Sword Trials three years from now!”

Many disciples of the Golden Sun Sect spoke up.

“Tsk, this feels pretty good.”

Lu Qingshan walked off the stage and looked at the crowd, his mouth curling up slightly as he noticed their gazes.

“Lu Qingshan, congratulations on winning the first place in this Sword Trial. You may choose three rewards.”

At this moment, the Golden Sun Sect master stepped forward, summoning a huge scroll listing the rankings and rewards with a wave of his hand.

“Foundation Establishment Pill, Heavenly Xin Bamboo Sword, Rainbow Feather Garment.”

Lu Qingshan immediately named the three rewards he had long since chosen.

“Hmm?”

The Golden Sun Sect master raised his eyebrows upon hearing this.

He could understand choosing the Heavenly Xin Bamboo Sword, but he couldn’t quite grasp why Lu Qingshan would choose the Foundation Establishment Pill and the Rainbow Feather Garment.

“Lu Qingshan, now that you’ve won first place in the Sword Trial, you can apply for the Foundation Establishment Pill directly after completing the trial. As for the Rainbow Feather Garment, it’s a spiritual garment for women and not suitable for you.”

The Golden Sun Sect master said.

If it were any other disciple, he wouldn’t have bothered to say anything.

But Lu Qingshan’s situation made him unable to resist giving a few pointers.

“Sect Master, I understand.”

Lu Qingshan replied respectfully.

“Good, remember, the sect’s Foundation Establishment Pills cannot be traded outside the sect and can only be exchanged with other disciples.”

Seeing this, the Golden Sun Sect master said no more and handed the three rewards to Lu Qingshan.

“Thank you, Sect Master!”

Lu Qingshan accepted the rewards and thanked him.

Then he quickly made his way to the Tianyuan Peak audience, where his sister, Lu Qingzhu, who was full of excitement, was waiting for him. He smiled proudly and said, “So, Little Zhu, how was it? Isn’t your brother amazing!”

“Amazing! Amazing! Brother, you’re the best!”

Lu Qingzhu nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with admiration.

Although she had also participated in the Sword Trial, she hadn’t made it into the top 100 and was eliminated early.

Now, seeing her brother win first place, she was naturally full of admiration and adoration.

“Hehe, here, Little Zhu, this is a gift from your brother.”

Lu Qingshan handed the Foundation Establishment Pill and Rainbow Feather Garment, two of the three rewards, to his sister.

With the Law Seed, he believed he could break through to Foundation Establishment without the help of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

So, the Foundation Establishment Pill was naturally prepared for his sister, Lu Qingzhu.

Moreover, he believed that his sister’s talent was lacking, and one Foundation Establishment Pill might not be enough for her to break through.

When he advanced to the true disciple rank, the Foundation Establishment Pill he would receive could still be used for his sister.

“Brother.”

Lu Qingzhu’s eyes sparkled with emotion as she looked at the two rewards.

“Hehe, no need to be polite with your brother. Let’s go home.”

Lu Qingshan said with a carefree smile as he affectionately ruffled her hair, leading her back to Tianyuan Peak.

The Golden Sun Sect master and several elders nodded slightly as they watched this scene.

They had heard that the two disciples taken in by Tianyuan Peak were a pair of siblings.

Compared to Lu Qingshan, his sister was quite ordinary, lacking any standout qualities.