Chapter 122.1 The Grand Finale (End)
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Qiao Mucai’d jaw dropped. The rainwater tasted salty and bitter, mixed with the taste of blood. He looked up and silently watched the young man in white. Zhang Yiming… Zhang Yiming. Maybe hunger and fatigue had caused his memory to falter, but now he finally remembered. He remembered that, with stiff fingers pressed against the cold stone wall, back then on the Lotus Pond Terrace, he had already been told about his other identity.
Qiao Mucai’s voice was hoarse as he said, word by word, “Pei… Yu… Zhi.”
The young man in white lowered his gaze, using his sleeve to wipe the blood off his sword. The dim world covered his expression, making it hard to see. After a while, he spoke in a low, deep voice, “What day is it since the chaos of the Celestial Demons started?”
Qiao Mucai was stunned. “The… the third day.”
The hand that was wiping the sword paused, and the corners of the young man’s lips tightened.
Suddenly, something fell from above and draped over Qiao Mucai.
It was a pure white robe, giving off a clean scent like fresh grass in early snow.
It felt like all the panic and despair had found their place. Qiao Mucai’s eyes turned red, his fingers trembled as he gripped a corner of his robe. He bowed his head, tears falling into the sea.
The young man stood on the wall and calmly said, “You stay here for now. Yunxiao and the other sects should arrive soon.”
Qiao Mucai’s eyes were teary, and he mumbled, “Thank you.”
He didn’t know if Pei Yuzhi had heard him clearly.
His robes swirled as he didn’t linger in this place.
A silver streak of light streaked across the sky as he flew on his sword, paying respect to the mountains and bowing to the sea.
Qiao Mucai watched the departing figure, his fingers tightly clenched, his gaze confused and distant.
He remembered back when he was in the Celestial Pavilion, and the crowd spoke of the Five Champions. One of the disciples from Yunzhong City mentioned Pei Yuzhi. “When he walked down Wuwang Peak with his sword, leaving behind empty and vast snow, it felt as if we witnessed the birth of a great path. If you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine such a person exists in this world. With just a glance, he can make you believe he can do anything.”
Qiao Mucai suddenly laughed briefly.
It seemed… he began to understand his words.
Pei Jing had no idea how long he had been in the realm of the Execution Sword.
The endless practice, countless years spent in meditation as if they were mere moments.
It wasn’t until the chaos was shattered by the emergence of the sword that the stormy winds and rain awakened his consciousness.
In his dantian resided a vast and pure chaotic power.
Perhaps a hundred years, maybe a thousand, breaking through the Nascent Divinity stage. Time held no meaning in that space, but for him, longing and restlessness were real, accompanying him through those long years.
The eastern sky was adorned with shimmering starry rivers.
The Heavenly Ladder appeared, piercing through the realm of earthly demons.
Upon reaching the Nascent Divinity stage, his understanding of the sword deepened, but when it came to the Execution Sword, it felt even more unfamiliar to him.
Familiar yet unfamiliar, he understood every aspect of its construction but couldn’t grasp its essence.
Gazing into the direction of the Institute of Celestial Ascension, Pei Jing’s brows and eyes were cooled by the winds and rain. In the depths of his gaze, a trace of confusion flickered. “Is it because I can’t break free from resentment…”
But what exactly is this “absence of resentment”?
During the endless desolation of time within the realm of the Execution Sword, he had even asked the remnants of the Execution Sword’s consciousness.
With its last ounce of strength, it delved into his sea of consciousness, but offered an ambiguous answer.
“You were already without resentment.”
Comparable to the prestigious Wentian Peak, it was also a forbidden place within the Institute of Celestial Ascension.
Now, the seal of the forbidden place had been opened.
At the end of the winding path, the person in the gray robe took a step forward and entered the mountain cave.
Just one step, and the world turned upside down. Outside was the radiance of spring and flourishing flowers, but inside lay a bone-chilling, empty, icy chamber.
The ice cave reached to the heavens, with a central ice-blue waterfall flowing against the current, ascending to the blue sky, carrying the weight of a golden staircase.
Like a snow-colored dragon coiling around the heavens and earth, casting its luminous presence.
The atmosphere in the mountain cave was solemn and dignified, but the air remained pure and untainted.
It held no trace of spiritual energy, yet seemed to contain countless profound methods. The fire of Fengqiu Mountain, the wind of West Kunlun, the endless deathly aura of the Ghost Realm, and the radiance at the fingertips of the Buddha.
The bell on Yu Qinglian’s wrist tinkled softly, causing her to frown as she spoke up, “Senior, with the awakening of the celestial demons, shouldn’t we join forces to confront Ji Wuyou? Why have you brought us here?”
The others shared the same doubts.
Xuhan looked up, gazing at the pillar of light that had stood there since the beginning of the celestial bodies. His voice was deep and distant as he said, “Incapable of dealing with him. In the past, even when we gathered the power of the gods and sealed him in the Nine Hidden Demon Realm, it was only when the Sword Sovereign sacrificed himself to retrieve the Execution Sword that we gained ten thousand years of peace. Now, none of you would stand a chance against him. Moreover, with the awakening of the celestial demons, the real enemy is not Ji Wuyou.”
Feng Jin frowned.
Wu Sheng’s eyes revealed a trace of confusion.
Ji Wuduan cleared his throat and asked with a feigned casual tone, “Then, who is it?”
Xuhan shook his head, his skin aging, his black hair turning gray, and his eyes, with three colors—black, white, and blue—were filled with unfathomable emotions.
“She is on the Heavenly Ladder.”
Although Xuhan didn’t explicitly state it, they had already guessed who “she” was. Who else could be on the Heavenly Ladder?
“Before his return, you must reconstruct the Heavenly Ladder.”
Yu Qinglian tilted her head and asked, “His return? Is it Ji Wuyou?”
Xuhan shook his head. “It is Yuzhi.”
She froze in place.
Feng Jin’s eyes narrowed. “Pei Yuzhi?”
Xuhan explained, “The Heavenly Ladder started showing anomalies several decades ago, presumably on the day Ji Wuyou was born. But the true manifestation of the Heavenly Ladder has occurred in these past few days. During your time at the Institute of Celestial Ascension, didn’t you ever see this beam of light?”
No one present contradicted Xuhan’s words.
Throughout their three years at the Institute of Celestial Ascension, they had truly never seen this golden light.
To them, the Heavenly Ladder was even a vague concept.
“This light signifies the emergence of the Execution Sword,” Xuhan said softly. “The Heavenly Ladder is nothing more than a lingering trace left behind by the Execution Sword when it divided the world. Take a careful look.”
Everyone looked up, and within the beam of light that pierced through the snow dragon, there were layers of white floating stones extending upwards. It was visible to the naked eye, crossing through the center.
“These floating stones originated from this cascading waterfall. It was supposed to be the place with the densest spiritual energy in the world, but now it lacks any spiritual power.”
Yu Qinglian seemed to comprehend something. She took a step forward, her red dress brushing against the swirling snowflakes. A bluish-green power surged from her fingertips, pure and bright, becoming a radiant blue light that penetrated the center of the waterfall. Then, something faintly triggered, and the speed of the waterfall’s reversal increased.
She paused, tilting her head and asked, “Senior, are you asking us to use our spiritual power to complete the Heavenly Ladder?”
Xuhan nodded, his expression unusually grave. “Yes, that’s why I summoned you here. No matter what happens, you must not leave this place. Remember, don’t interfere with anything. Shaping the Heavenly Ladder is your only task now. The Institute of Celestial Ascension is now only left with the five of us. I will go outside and buy you time.”
For the Celestian Demon Lord, leaving others behind would only lead to their death.
Xuhan instructed the other Elders of the Institute of Celestial Ascension to remain stationed below Wentian Peak, guarding against intruders.
He cast a final glance at the place he had dedicated centuries to protect.
Xuhan turned around, his clothes radiating starlight and dust, plain yet magnificent. And in the palm of his hand, a sword gradually took form.
The Stardust Sword, where stars meet dust, radiating brilliance from the heavens and a subtle glow from the earth.
The doors of the ice cave were completely sealed.
The ancestor who came before Yunxiao’s birth stepped forward, approaching the perpetually snow-covered mountain steps.
Ji Wuyou also halted in front of the stone stairs of the Institute of Celestial Ascension. This place was too high, covered in year-round snow.
The Nascent Soul cultivators stationed in the mountain range were like ants in his eyes, not even worth lifting a hand. He entrusted them to his subordinates and headed straight for the Institute of Celestial Ascension.
Ji Wuyou leaped down from the giant snake. The serpent behind him let out a strange cry, shrinking and stiffening until its head transformed into a hilt, and its tail sharpened into a dark, exquisitely crafted sword radiating a malevolent aura.
It fell into his hand.
He had been shrouded in black mist, with only his bone structure visible.
Once he touched the ground, the mist around Ji Wuyou dispersed, revealing his true appearance.
Dressed in ash-gray robes and simple grass sandals, the only striking features were the killing intent and cunningness that emanated from his brows.
Despite the nine-tiered elevation, he narrowed his eyes, gazing at the person atop the steps.
For a while, he smirked ambiguously and said, “Master?”
Xuhan’s voice turned icy cold, “Unworthy.”
Ji Wuyou waved his sleeve and said, “Master doesn’t recognize me? Ha, don’t you find my appearance familiar?”
Xuhan scrutinized his appearance and grew furious, a glimmer of icy murderous intent flickering in his eyes.
Ji Wuyou spoke slowly, “Do I resemble your beloved disciple? Ah, your esteemed master as well.” A hint of contempt flashed in his eyes as the Lord of the Celestial Demon continued, “Yunxiao, you have been my lifelong adversary. One Yunxiao Sword Sovereign entered the Nine Hidden Demon Realm and retrieved the Execution Sword from my heart, a thousand years ago. And now, in this life and the previous, it is Pei Yuzhi who obstructs me twice. Today, it’s time to settle these debts.”
Xuhan spoke coldly, “You’re unworthy of imitating him. You can never replace him in this lifetime.”
Ji Wuyou’s eyes hardened, twisting with a deep-seated hatred. “Unworthy? Don’t worry, after I kill you, I’ll flay Pei Yuzhi alive and send him to hell to accompany you.”
Xuhan no longer wished to exchange words with him. A hint of killing intent passed through his three-colored eyes as he said, “Then come.”
The Stardust Sword emitted a surge of purple thunder from its tip.
The most formidable figure in the cultivation world.
Unlike those young boys and girls who had just awakened or inherited powers, Xuhan had truly lived for thousands of years. Having surpassed the Nascent Soul stage long before the last millennium, his strength was unquestionable.
The familiarity of that purple sword intent was striking.
Ji Wuyou’s expression changed, and a sudden pain struck his chest. He remembered the Yunxiao Sword Sovereign who had pierced through his heart when he invaded the Nine Hidden Demon Realm.
The Lord of the Celestial Demon grinned through gritted teeth, “Yunxiao Swordmanship, Qianqiu? Hahaha! Every single one of you Yunxiao cultivators deserves to die.”
The Ninth Level of the Yunxiao Swordmanship, Qianqiu. Eternal glory.
Xuhan still possessed the appearance of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old, somewhere between childhood and adolescence. His robe fluttered as his sword, unlike the others, had shattered into myriad particles after reaching the Nascent Soul stage. It contained starlight and dust, all things that he could manipulate.
Just like now, purple thunder pierced through the mountains and forests, shattering the stone steps with crackling sounds. The mountains and forests roared, as if a colossal dragon that had slumbered for ages had awakened. And indeed, behind Xuhan, a purple dragon took form.
“Go!”
The purple dragon let out a resounding roar, lunging at Ji Wuyou with its jaws wide open.
Wherever the dragon’s tail passed, vegetation bent low.
Ji Wuyou’s gaze grew cold. “A thousand years ago, he could kill me and take the Execution Sword from my heart. But that was merely because I was exhausted from the battle against the gods. You, a petty schemer who takes advantage of opportunities, actually think highly of yourself? Qianqiu sword intent?”
A dark light flickered in his eyes as he pointed his pitch-black sword forward, his voice filled with madness. “Then I will let you all see who truly possesses eternal glory in this world!”
Boom! A black-purple lightning bolt descended from the sky, splitting the mountain peak in half.
The massive stones cascaded down like a raging torrent!
Ji Wuyou extended his hand and directly seized the head of the surging purple dragon.
Xuhan’s face turned pale. He took a step back, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
The sword intent was a part of his divine consciousness, and now he felt as if his soul was being clenched in Ji Wuyou’s hand.
He raised his gaze, devoid of any expression of anger or joy.
Ji Wuyou shattered the sword intent of the purple dragon, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of absurdity and irony.
“Back then, I was even frightened by it on Xuanyun Peak. Now, it seems nothing more than a worm. Just that.”
He thought of the grudge regarding the sword and had the urge to tear this Elder in front of him to pieces. But as he moved forward and paused for a moment, he came up with a better way to torment him.
Ji Wuyou’s lips curled up, and he spoke, “Master, take a good look at who I am.”
The demonic bones underwent numerous changes, shrinking his figure. He now wore a gray-brown robe and tied his hair with a grass rope. However, the gloominess in his brows couldn’t be washed away.
Ji Wuyou stood before the snow-covered steps, smiling. “Master, you must keep your eyes wide open and watch as I kill you.”
Xuhan lay on the ground, watching him draw closer. The demonic power had a bewitching effect, but as he looked at this skin that looked exactly like Pei Yuzhi’s, Xuhan calmly spoke, “I said it before, no matter how much you learn, you will never resemble him. You can never replace him in this lifetime.”
Ji Wuyou’s eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and he let out a cold laugh.
He couldn’t be bothered to argue with this Elder any longer.
The sword in his hand moved, and the serpent’s eyes on the hilt opened, instantly transforming back into a real snake.
“How many times do I have to say it? Who wants to replace him? He’s not worthy! He’s simply unworthy!”
Madness flickered in the eyes of the Lord of Celestial Demons.
He wanted to pierce the Elder’s throat, to blind his eyes.
To cleanse the unknown, thick hatred and jealousy in his heart with blood!
“Just a green and inexperienced child. Wait, he will soon join you. No, I will crush him to dust and let him vanish into ashes and smoke.”
The snake sword emitted a murky and sinister purple light, a dark and crimson hue that was not of this world. It originated from the depths of the Nine Hidden Demon Realm and was born in the primordial chaos.
The power of the Lord of Celestial Demons.
“Die, old man!”
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