Volume Two – The Map of the Nine Provinces Appears, Entering the Spirit Ruins Chapter 58: Three Parties Compete for the Cauldron

The three struck at once. The sword in Xia Jian’s hand radiated a fearsome edge, a single stroke capable of splitting the heavens, carrying with it the force to cleave mountains and shatter stone. Xue You’s swordplay was light and agile, each movement transforming into dozens of variations, all unleashed at once. Cui Qiao’s palm strikes crisscrossed in chaotic patterns, dazzling the eyes and making it impossible to discern reality from illusion.

Their clashes sent plumes of dust swirling into the air, the surrounding buildings collapsing one after another. Even the cultivators from all three factions, caught in the fray, were forced to retreat under the shockwaves. Yet Xia Jian of the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect, with his higher cultivation, easily stood his ground; even with Xue You and Cui Qiao joining forces, they could not suppress him.

“Haha… You think you can stop me?” Xia Jian’s sword fell, cleaving downward as if to carve a gorge into the earth—its power was truly terrifying.

Xue You was startled and immediately raised his sword to parry. With a clash of metal, Xue You was forced back by Xia Jian’s sword power, both man and blade thrown against a wall behind him.

At that moment, Cui Qiao attacked from Xia Jian’s rear, her fist wind imbued with a demonic force as she struck down. Xia Jian frowned deeply, not daring to underestimate her. He spun, sweeping his sword in an arc to meet Cui Qiao’s fist. But his defense was hurried and insufficient; he was pushed back several steps by the impact.

Cui Qiao pressed the attack, once more bearing down upon him, while Xue You had already regained his composure and charged forward, sword in hand.

“So arrogant…” Xia Jian, finding himself temporarily at a disadvantage, grew enraged. His aura erupted, sword light sweeping through the hall like a raging storm.

As the three battled in stalemate, disciples from each sect surged forward, clashing with their rivals. Sword light and fist winds intertwined within the grand hall, with lightning, flames, and violent gales bursting forth in the chaos. Even several independent cultivators and minor sect disciples were caught up in the melee.

Within the span of a few dozen breaths, several lives had already been claimed by the slaughter.

Chen Yu, hiding at a distance, watched the scene with awe. Yet he felt no fear—only excitement and exhilaration.

“This is their strength. This is the power of immortals.”

His gaze swept across the crowd, finally settling on Chu Shu of Lingxu. Though Chu Shu’s cultivation was not high, his swordplay was extraordinary, his combat prowess far surpassing his peers. With a single stroke, Chu Shu wounded Zeng Tang of the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect.

“You… is that the Supreme Purity Scripture?” Zeng Tang asked in terror. “You are Chu Shu of Lingxu.”

“Indeed, I am,” Chu Shu replied coldly, drawing his sword to strike.

At this, the others were startled, especially those from Boundless Cliff Sword Sect, who regarded the development with grave concern.

“Chu Shu, to become a true disciple of Lingxu at the Origin Realm—your reputation is well-earned. Allow me to test your skills,” a young woman declared, leaping forth with sword in hand.

“Hmph… Sister Xia Miao, is bullying your juniors all you’re capable of? I, Zhao Ying, will play with you instead.”

Xia Miao’s gaze grew cold but she did not retreat in the slightest.

Seeing this, Chu Shu turned his attention to others, his swordplay ethereal and elegant. In just a few exchanges, he defeated another Origin Realm cultivator, leaving Chen Yu deeply impressed.

“This Chu Shu is truly formidable. His talent far outshines the likes of Zhao Ying and the others,” Chen Yu realized instantly. “Even Xia Jian and Xue You are not his equals.”

Chen Yu’s fists clenched with excitement, delighted to witness such worthy adversaries in the world.

“Damn it…” Those from the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect cursed under their breath. Though their strength was the greatest among the three factions, the alliance of Lingxu and the Cui Clan was enough to hold them at bay—an infuriating and frustrating reality.

After an incense stick’s worth of time, both sides had suffered injuries. If the struggle continued, no one would benefit.

Xia Jian glared coldly at Xue You and Cui Qiao, his tone resentful: “What will it take for you to relinquish the cauldron?”

“Hmph… Senior Brother Xia, are you not asking the obvious?” Cui Qiao replied with a cold laugh. “Do you really think you can claim it just because of the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect’s reputation?”

“Fine… I’ll offer fifty high-grade spirit stones,” Xia Jian said through clenched teeth.

“Fifty?” Xue You frowned, weighing the offer.

Xia Jian immediately pressed, sneering, “Of course, if you think you can’t match that, then give me fifty high-grade spirit stones and I’ll give up the cauldron.”

The two hesitated once more. They sensed the cauldron was extraordinary, but its true value was hard to determine.

“Well? Can’t you give me a straightforward answer?” Xia Jian taunted.

Their faces darkened as they looked at Xia Jian, but in the end, they chose to give up the cauldron. “Very well, then we…”

“Wait…” Just as Cui Qiao and Xue You were about to decide, a dazzling figure swept in from outside the hall.

All eyes turned toward her, breath quickening; some appeared utterly entranced. Even Chen Yu, upon seeing the newcomer, felt his heart race and his blood surge with confusion.

“The Little Enchantress of the Cui Clan, Cui Dashu,” Chu Shu alone remained clear-headed.

Cui Dashu landed lightly in the center, her smile blooming like a flower. “I want this cauldron, dear brothers Xia and Xue. Would you grant me this small favor?”

“This…”

“Hehe… Naturally, I wouldn’t let the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect or Lingxu suffer a loss.” With a wave, she produced a small gauze pouch. “Here are one hundred high-grade spirit stones. That should suffice, no?”

Now, Xia Jian and Xue You hesitated again, thinking: Could this cauldron be more than it seems?

Seeing their indecision, Cui Dashu did not rush but smiled mischievously. “Of course, if you object, my Cui Clan can relinquish the cauldron, but you’ll have to pay me one hundred high-grade spirit stones.”

This sent another ripple of uncertainty through the crowd, for none could discern Cui Dashu’s true intentions.

Xue You clenched his teeth first. “Very well… Since you wish it, sister Dashu, I’ll grant you this favor.”

Cui Dashu’s smile brightened. “Then I thank Brother Xue and all my friends from Lingxu.”

Xia Jian, after much deliberation, also withdrew.

With the transaction complete, Cui Dashu produced a powerful yellow talisman and struck it against the cauldron. Instantly, the cauldron shrank rapidly to the size of a fingertip.

“So, you were prepared all along, even bringing a Heaven-Preserving Talisman,” Xia Jian said bitterly, feeling as though he’d been outmaneuvered.

Cui Dashu smiled, her tone light. “Brother Xia, you overthink. It was merely a coincidence. Since this Ze Tong Cave Mansion has already been thoroughly searched, I won’t linger further. Farewell.”

As the Cui Clan departed, both the Boundless Cliff Sword Sect and Lingxu frowned slightly. But as Cui Dashu had said, there was no further need to explore the cave; the true treasures had likely already been taken by Feng Shuxin and the other three.

Chen Yu, too, quietly slipped away after the Cui Clan’s departure.