Free Web NovelChapter 628: Chapter 628: Gathering of Geniuses
Mount Hua, although no longer an imperial forbidden ground, was still not a place that just anyone could climb at will.
On Mount Hua, the sword marks left by Great Emperor Zhan Kong not only contained the Sword Intent of Ages but also possessed a terrifying sharpness. Forget ordinary people; even regular Martial Artists could not withstand them. Therefore, even though Mount Hua was open to all, not many people had the strength to actually climb it.
The location for the Huashan Sword Contest was the Arena of Sword Discourse, situated midway up the mountain. This was a recessed platform that had been leveled by a single strike of Great Emperor Zhan Kong’s sword. It was also the only flat ground on Mount Hua, and every Huashan Sword Contest was held here. Only the person who won first place at the Arena of Sword Discourse was qualified to ascend to the mountaintop and receive the baptism of Sword Intent.
At this moment, many people had already gathered at the foot of Mount Hua. These individuals, each with a sharp aura like a drawn sword, were all Sword Cultivators. Due to the overwhelming sharpness of the sword marks left by Great Emperor Zhan Kong, outsiders could not fly directly onto Mount Hua. Anyone wishing to climb the mountain had to ascend from the base, step by step.
Of course, this Mount Hua was the sacred place where Great Emperor Zhan Kong reached the Saint Realm. Thus, experts at the Saint Realm could forcibly break through and descend upon the mountain. However, doing so would be a provocation against the dignity of the Imperial Family, so no Saint was bold enough to take such a risk.
"The annual Huashan Sword Contest is finally about to begin. This time, I must make a name for myself!"
"You might as well give up. I’ve heard that this time the Huashan Sword Contest is teeming with powerful figures. Not only are princes participating, but there’s more than one. Besides, the Juque Saint Heir from the Spirit Sword Holy Palace is also here. With your meager strength, the Juque Saint Heir could eliminate you without even drawing his sword."
"Of course, I can’t compare to the Juque Saint Heir, but as long as I manage to stand out, I could gain the favor of someone influential. Then, I might have a hope of rising to the top in a single step."
At the foot of Mount Hua, the number of Sword Cultivators gathered had reached over 10,000. They had already begun climbing, all the while fervently discussing and speculating about which prominent figures would appear in this year’s Huashan Sword Contest.
As Mount Hua was the sacred place where Great Emperor Zhan Kong had ascended to sainthood, princes participated in the contest every year. This year, the Eighth Prince and the Nineteenth Prince were both present, along with the Thirteenth Princess. For ordinary Sword Cultivators, this was a tremendous opportunity. Merely being noticed by one of them, even to become a subordinate, could bring immense benefits—a chance most considered excellent.
WHOOSH!
A Golden Chariot and a white jade palanquin sped in from the distance, creating a beautiful spectacle that instantly attracted countless gazes.
"The Golden Chariot and the white jade palanquin arriving together! That must be the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Princess!"
The whereabouts of the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Princess had not been concealed, and news of their arrival had already spread, so everyone recognized them instantly.
"Eighth Brother, shall we see who can climb to the Arena of Sword Discourse first?"
From atop the white jade palanquin, the Thirteenth Princess gracefully stepped down. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her face was veiled by white silk, leaving much to the imagination.
"Since the Thirteenth Princess is so inclined, then as your brother, I shall accompany you!"
The Eighth Prince strode forward, wearing a Golden Crown and a Python Robe. He somewhat resembled the Nineteenth Prince but appeared more mature, and his features were more heroic.
Soon, the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Princess descended to the base of Mount Hua and began to climb the mountain path. Although the sharpness of the sword marks here was potent, they were both of the imperial bloodline and powerful Sword Cultivators themselves. They climbed with extreme speed, leaving the crowd behind in the blink of an eye. Their Protectors and palace attendants followed at a distance, careful not to disturb them.
THUMP! THUMP!
The ground trembled slightly, as if a massive elephant were approaching. This peculiar sight astonished many onlookers.
"The Juque Saint Heir has arrived!" someone exclaimed, spotting a youth in black in the distance and drawing considerable attention.
The person they saw was the Juque Saint Heir, carrying the Nine Mountains Holy Sword on his back, walking toward Mount Hua step by step like a devout ascetic. Despite the weight of the Nine Mountains Holy Sword, the Saint Heir’s pace was not slow. He soon reached the foot of Mount Hua, and the crowd parted, not daring to obstruct his path.
"Such powerful Sword Intent, immortal for ten thousand years. Truly worthy of Great Emperor Zhan Kong!"
The Juque Saint Heir looked up, his sharply contrasting black-and-white eyes fixed on Mount Hua, a trace of amazement within them. Though he had not yet begun his ascent, he could already feel the Sword Intent of this place. ƒrēewebnovel.com
Then, ignoring the crowd, the Saint Heir continued his climb, still carrying the Nine Mountains Holy Sword. However, the mountain face was so firm that his footsteps could no longer leave deep imprints.
Under the reverent gazes of the onlookers, the Juque Saint Heir proceeded steadily, making his way to the Arena of Sword Discourse one step at a time. He did not miss the scenery along the way. He deeply contemplated the sword marks left on Mount Hua, hoping to validate his own path of the sword and elevate himself.
WHOOSH!
Just as the crowd had withdrawn their gazes and planned to continue their climb, a sharp sword light suddenly split the clouds. The terrifying Sword Intent burst forth, causing a stinging sensation on their cheeks, as if a sharp blade hung right before them, ready to descend at any moment.
A lightning-fast sword light appeared before everyone, revealing a stunningly beautiful figure in white within it.
"It’s the Yun Jun Holy Maiden! I didn’t expect her to come as well!"
Holy Maiden Yun Jun had a considerable reputation, but since she traveled by Sword Flight, few knew of her whereabouts. Seeing her appear now, the crowd was visibly astounded.
"Get out of the way!"
Holy Maiden Yun Jun disliked being the center of attention. With a thought, her Flying Sword slashed forward, startling everyone into a hasty retreat.
"Juque Saint Heir, you’re actually faster than me, hmph!"
Not even glancing at the crowd, Holy Maiden Yun Jun sensed the Juque Saint Heir’s aura. Her beautiful eyes lifted to stare upward, and then her figure flickered as she gave chase.
Only after the Holy Maiden had departed did the crowd recover, still shaken.
"They say Holy Maiden Yun Jun is more domineering than any man. Today, I’ve seen it for myself," someone muttered quietly, not daring to speak loudly for fear of attracting her ire.
The composed nature of the Juque Saint Heir and the domineering presence of Holy Maiden Yun Jun both made an impression on the crowd.
Meanwhile, amidst the people, the Heartless Holy Son watched with sparkling eyes, full of battle intent. Although the Heart Sword Sacred Palace was famous, it had few members, so no one recognized him.
"Someone else is coming!"
Just then, another Golden Chariot approached from the distant sky, drawing many eyes.
Seated upon the Golden Chariot was none other than Su Han. By his side were the Crane Sword Saint with Li Mingliang and Li Qingyue.
"It’s the Nineteenth Prince!"
The Nineteenth Prince was quite famous and was recognized at once.
However, Su Han was looking at the Heartless Holy Son with curiosity. He had already spotted the Juque Saint Heir and Holy Maiden Yun Jun from a distance. Now, he was also somewhat surprised to sense the Heartless Holy Son’s extremely powerful Divine Sense Power.
It seems this Huashan Sword Contest will indeed be a gathering of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.
