161: Chapter 161 What kind of forbidden area is that? How could anyone be allowed to trespass?

After the three left, they were led by a maidservant to an empty room.

As soon as the door closed, the two sisters simultaneously turned their gazes towards Xu Longxiang.

'How do you feel?'

'I... I'm alright.' His voice still faltered slightly, and it was only after being pressed with several questions in a row that he managed to respond.

Xu Longxiang's speech remained clumsy, his words often failing to fully convey his meaning.

But upon closer inspection, his mind seemed much clearer, no longer as muddled and confused as before.

'I thought this step would be extremely difficult to cross, never expecting it to be so easy.'

Xu Zhihu sighed softly, her tone carrying a hint of ruefulness.

'The teacher's Cultivation is unfathomably deep, naturally extraordinary.

But Elder Sister, if you are interested, you could actually go and try your luck at the martial hall.'

'Forget it!'

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhihu immediately waved her hand in refusal.

Seeing her resolute attitude, Xu Weixiong did not press further.

A moment later, Xu Zhihu spoke up as if casually mentioning, 'I noticed that the several women by your teacher's side seem to be quite close to him?'

'Is that so? I didn't really pay attention.'

Xu Weixiong was taken aback, a slight strangeness flashing across her face before she lowered her head to conceal it.

'Little Sister, what's wrong?'

'Nothing, really.'

She hurriedly shook her head, her movements a bit rushed.

How sharp was Xu Zhihu? The corner of her eye twitched, and suspicion already stirred in her heart.

This Second Sister was usually calm and composed; such a reaction now clearly indicated something weighing on her mind.

At this moment, at the top floor of the Ascending Heaven Pavilion, the Cultivation session had concluded.

Baili Dongjun and Sikong Changfeng stood facing each other, their expressions complex.

'Fortunately, that martial hall's threshold for accepting disciples is extremely high, otherwise, wouldn't our Snow Moon City become a place others settle for after being rejected?'

Sikong Changfeng shook his head with a bitter smile.

The recent situation was indeed absurd—especially after the great battle at Qingyun Terrace, any aspiring young person who came seeking fame would first head straight to the martial hall to beg for entry.

Only after repeated failures would they lower their standards, attempting to challenge the Ascending Heaven Pavilion or seek refuge with other forces.

'Enough. The four sword marks left outside the city have now become a major Foundation for Snow Moon City.

These past days, many have used them to temper their state of mind, and quite a few have truly gained some insights.'

Baili Dongjun spoke indifferently, casually picking up the wine pot on the table and taking a sip, yet still feeling unsatisfied, he gently set it down.

'You've brewed so many wines, has any one jar ever truly satisfied you?'

Sikong Changfeng couldn't help but ask.

'When I was young, I wanted to be an immortal among wines, to brew a fine vintage of peach blossoms reflecting the moon, and place it at the highest point in Tianqi City.'

Baili Dongjun murmured softly, his gaze distant.

'Was that for that Western Chu Sword Immortal?'

Sikong Changfeng suddenly understood.

'Fame I have long obtained, but this wine...'

Baili Dongjun looked into the distance, a trace of desolation flashing in his eyes.

For a moment, silence fell upon the Ascending Heaven Pavilion.

Suddenly, a surge of Sword Qi shot into the sky from outside the city, tearing through the firmament.

That Sword Intent was chillingly cold, permeated with an aura of destruction, desolation, deathly stillness, and utter solitude.

'What a ruthless Sword Dao!'

Baili Dongjun abruptly stood up, his expression grave.

The two exchanged a glance, their figures flashing as they swiftly sped out of the city.

Inside the martial hall, Su Rui's heart jolted as he looked towards the source of the rising Sword Intent.

'Hmm, seems like that person who challenged you before. This aura feels somewhat familiar.'

Zhu Yuyan also sensed it, her brow slightly furrowed.

'Yan Shisan.'

Su Rui uttered the three words and then fell silent.

That was a sword of Qi Deviation; the current him simply could not control it.

He himself understood this best.

'Aren't you worried? This person is very troublesome. What if he comes to challenge again?'

'If he comes next time, I'll leave it to you to handle.'

Su Rui glanced sideways at Empress Wu, his tone flat.

Empress Wu: ...

The wilderness outside the city.

Xie Xiaofeng retreated dozens of zhang in succession, his face filled with shock.

The crowd around them, who had been contemplating the Sword Intent, were all jolted awake, turning to look.

'This Sword Intent is too terrifying!'

'No wonder. This is the person who challenged the Hall Master some days ago.

He was sent flying with a single sword stroke back then. Someone daring enough to challenge the Hall Master, how could his strength be ordinary?'

Some recognized Yan Shisan, whispering and discussing.

At this moment, Yan Shisan was enveloped in a gray mist, his eyes pale white, Sword Intent surging wildly from him, expanding wantonly.

Others only felt a bone-chilling cold, as if facing the abyss of death itself; no one dared to speak further.

In the distance, an old man arrived through the air with a young girl in red, standing quietly.

'It's indeed him.

Although he hasn't Broken Through his Realm, he has clearly comprehended some extremely powerful sword technique.'

Old Man of Heavenly Secrets perceived that aura and whispered.

'You old fogey, instead of telling your old tales, what are you doing here joining the crowd?'

Pharmacist Huang appeared with Guo Xiang, his tone teasing.

'You old monster still haven't scrammed?'

Old Man of Heavenly Secrets's face darkened.

This fellow's mouth was vile, truly annoying.

Sun Little Red and Guo Xiang glanced at each other, a similar trace of bitterness rising in their hearts.

It wasn't just because of their elders' absurd behavior, but more because both had once been filled with anticipation to enter the martial hall to learn, only to be turned away.

This disappointment cast a shadow over their previously soaring confidence.

But Sun Little Red, having wandered everywhere with her maternal grandfather Sun Baifa since childhood, was experienced and far steadier than her peers; Guo Xiang, however, had been depressed these past days, her brows unable to conceal her desolation.

Seeing this, Pharmacist Huang decided to take her away from Snow Moon City to seek other landscapes to ease her mind.

'Greetings to you both.'

'Greetings to the two City Lords.'

As soon as Baili Dongjun arrived, he immediately cupped his fists in salute, his attitude respectful.

The others also dared not be negligent.

Ever since Sikong Changfeng's return, the title of Spear Immortal had long spread far and wide, and he was naturally appointed as the Third City Lord of Snow Moon City.

And his daughter, Sikong Qianluo, also revered for her outstanding spear techniques, was respectfully called the 'Female Spear Immortal.'

Father and daughter both enjoying such acclaim became a beautiful tale in the Jianghu for a time.

Now, these two were at the peak of their prestige, praised by all.

'Might the two of you be willing to join our Snow Moon City? To plan great endeavors together?' Baili Dongjun inquired with a cupped fist.

'No need. This old man is quite content telling stories of the past!' Sun Baifa waved his hand, directly refusing.

'If you can get that martial hall to accept my granddaughter, then I might consider staying.' As soon as he finished speaking, Baili Dongjun was immediately rendered speechless.

I wish I could get in myself! He thought with an inner bitter laugh, simply choosing to remain silent.

At that moment, a series of exclamations came from the distance.

'Yan Shisan is likely experiencing Qi Deviation! The Sword Intent is backlashing, even his consciousness is being swallowed!' Sikong Changfeng's expression changed slightly.

'He can no longer control that power. Be careful and guard against him harming the innocent!' Xie Xiaofeng said anxiously.

Previously, Yan Shisan had personally said that once the fifteenth sword technique was unleashed, it would be nearly impossible to control.

Who would have thought he truly comprehended it, only to be completely engulfed by that desolate, deathly stillness Concept.

Suddenly, Yan Shisan's eyes sharpened, his gaze fixed directly on the direction of Snow Moon City. His figure abruptly shot up from the ground, like a black eagle soaring through the air, pouncing straight towards the city.

'Not good!'

Baili Dongjun was greatly alarmed, leaping forward to intercept.

However, when that sword truly arrived before him, his heart violently shook, his Qi and blood churning.

Fortunately, Yan Shisan did not linger in battle, merely using his sword's momentum to force Baili Dongjun back before breaking through the air and entering the city.

The crowd hurriedly gave chase.

'He actually dares to come?' Su Rui's brow furrowed tightly.

Empress Wu also turned her head, staring intently at the black shadow speeding towards them.

'This sword has already transcended the limits of his Cultivation; he simply cannot control it!' The onlookers all changed color.

They saw a black-robed man descending from the sky, his aura chillingly oppressive, as if bringing boundless deathly intent.

In the next instant, he actually leaped directly into the martial hall's inner grounds.

'He's simply seeking death!' The crowd erupted in uproar.

What kind of Forbidden Ground is that? How could it allow others to trespass so recklessly?

Sure enough, in the blink of an eye, that black shadow was sent flying back out like a kite with a severed string, faster than when he came.

Immediately after, three figures shot out through the air—precisely Su Rui, Empress Wu, and Zhu Yuyan.

Yan Shisan was repelled by Su Rui's single sword stroke, crashing heavily to the ground.

'See, I said it would be like this!' Someone in the surrounding crowd whispered, their tone carrying a hint of anticipated excitement.

For them, such a scene was not unexpected.

'I beseech the Hall Master for leniency!' Xie Xiaofeng's voice came from afar.

He arrived at the scene, his eyes solemn, stepping forward to offer a deep, respectful bow.

'Brother Swallow's mind is trapped by the Sword Intent, he has lost his bearings. I beg the Hall Master to be magnanimous!'

'Magnanimous? I let it pass before, but do you still expect me to tolerate a second time?' Su Rui's tone was cold and stern, his meaningful gaze falling upon Xie Xiaofeng.

'There's no need to plead for me,' Yan Shisan slowly stood up, a trace of relief actually appearing in his eyes. 'To have glimpsed the true meaning of the fifteenth sword, I would die without regret.'

That sword was too overbearing. Had it not been forcibly interrupted, it might have caused an irreparable disaster.

'Who said I'm going to kill you?' Su Rui stared at him, a sudden thought stirring in his heart.

Various plans regarding matters of the Upper Realm surfaced in his mind.

If he were to truly set foot on that path in the future, he would ultimately need reliable people by his side.

And the one before him possessed exceptional talent and formidable strength.

'You're not going to kill me?' Yan Shisan was stunned.

He knew his actions just now were nearly provocative; he had thought death was inevitable.

'My martial hall is short a gatekeeper. Are you willing to do it?' Su Rui cast him a meaningful look, then turned and entered the martial hall with the two women.

The onlookers were first dumbfounded, then some actually showed expressions of envy.

Although it was a gatekeeper's position, after all, it meant being a member of the martial hall.

If fortunate enough to receive a few pointers from the Hall Master, perhaps their Cultivation could advance by leaps and bounds.

'Brother Swallow...' Xie Xiaofeng breathed a sigh of relief.

'I heard. Gatekeeper.' Yan Shisan said softly, finally shedding the heavy pressure on his shoulders.

The fifteenth sword had affected him deeply, and he also knew full well the terrifying power of that technique.

Yet before that Hall Master, it seemed utterly insignificant.

If he didn't want to one day become a bloodthirsty maniac, staying here might be the bestHome.

At least there was someone who could stop him with the power of a single sword.

'I understand!'

Xie Xiaofeng nodded slightly.

Not far away, Jing Ni had changed into a deep blue long dress, her form-fitting scale armor and sword already put away.

She watched Su Rui's figure returning to the martial hall, her mind calculating how to approach him stealthily.

At this moment, she had no clear objective.

In truth, she already harbored the intention to leave the Net of Heaven.

But the Net of Heaven's influence was spread across the world, deeply rooted.

Even if she were in Northern Li, openly betraying them would likely not escape the fate of being hunted.

Having finally developed a sense of autonomy, she was unwilling to give up this chance for a turn of events.