Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

Within the thousand-zhang radius, winds and clouds surged in an instant, myriad streams of Sword Qi manifested, boundless and endless, their fierce might blanketing the sky, brimming with oppression.

Swoosh!

The tide of Sword Qi converged in a flash, transforming into a giant sword a hundred-zhang long.

Within, a three-foot ancient sword slowly emerged.

Clang!

Sword Intent soared to the heavens, slaughter roiled forth; it sent chills down the spine, making hearts tremble in terror.

The young man raised his hand with a casual wave.

The hundred-zhang giant sword swept forth, tip aimed directly at Xu Yang.

Clang! Clang!!

It was as though ten thousand divine swords were singing in unison—deafening, shaking the heavens and earth.

The giant sword tore through the void, stirring a vast ocean of Sword Qi that covered the sky and earth; sword light rained like a myriad phenomena born with every drop.

"What terrifying Sword Intent."

"As expected from a prodigy of the Eastern Continent."

Xu Yang raised his brows and murmured softly.

From just one move, it was clear how formidable this young man was.

Late Stage of Celestial Immortal—with this one sword alone, he was far stronger than most of the same level Xu Yang had met in the Northern State.

And yet, this youth was not even the top genius of Celestial Sword Mountain.

Just from this youth and Mo Bai-jun, one could glimpse the tip of the iceberg—astonishing to the extreme.

Nonetheless, such a threat posed no danger at all to Xu Yang.

The giant sword descended.

The pressure was immense.

Unfazed, Xu Yang threw out a punch.

Boom!

Crack!

The giant sword was struck as if by thunder, shattering into countless pieces; storms whirled, vast torrents of Sword Qi lashed the surrounding void until it spasmed and trembled.

From amidst the shards, the three-foot ancient sword rang with a metallic hum, instantly snapping back like lightning to the youth’s side.

"Hm?"

The youth’s pupils shrank, horror written all over his face, "You..."

"Concealing cultivation?"

"No, it’s clearly Early Stage of Celestial Immortal—without a doubt!"

"This kind of strength..."

The young man sucked in a cold breath, instantly putting away all arrogance.

He curled his palm abruptly, gripping the hilt, his figure quivering slightly.

The ancient sword was linked to his heart and mind; gripping it tight, he felt the astounding power behind that seemingly casual punch just now.

"No wonder you dare break into the Eastern Continent alone."

The young man licked his lips, Sword Intent soaring from his body, his gaze blazing like fire as dense waves of Sword Qi surged forth like a tide.

"Liang Zhen, core disciple of Taiyuan Peak, Celestial Sword Mountain."

"I ask for your instruction."

He stepped forward, sword pointing at Xu Yang.

Just now, he had said only a single move, but now Liang Zhen felt a great curiosity toward Xu Yang, and wished to fight in earnest.

Xu Yang was not surprised by this; tranquil within, he replied casually, "Please."

Seeing that Xu Yang still hadn’t given his name, Liang Zhen frowned, vaulting high into the air.

Swish, swish!!

In a breath, three swords flashed, crisscrossing the sky, dazzling and resplendent as starlight and immortal radiance.

In an instant—

The long sky ruptured, as if cleaved open by a dreadful abyss, twisted Sword Light plummeting downward to devour all.

Xu Yang leaped up, both fists striking together.

Rumble!!

Bang!

Sword Light shattered, the abyss was erased.

His massive fists radiated supreme might—simple, savage, and peerlessly fierce, crushing all obstacles with absolute force, driving Liang Zhen into constant retreat, forcing him into a wretched defense.

His ancient sword spun like a tight web, clashing violently, humming without cease.

"Damn it."

Liang Zhen gritted his teeth, unleashing himself recklessly, his momentum like thunder, shattering the void as he sought to block Xu Yang’s onslaught.

Facing Liang Zhen’s sword, Xu Yang showed no change in expression; the Heaven-Locking Divine Chain flashed and vanished, freezing the Sword Light in front of him.

Liang Zhen’s eyes went wide with terror.

"Impossible!"

He felt an invisible force forcibly restrain him.

He could only watch as Xu Yang raised his fist, immortal light bursting forth.

Boom!

Clang!

Liang Zhen uttered a muffled cry of pain, falling miserably through the air.

Stabilizing himself with effort, he propped himself up with his sword, his body swaying, and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

"You..."

Liang Zhen stared fiercely at Xu Yang, shocked and awed, finally forcing a bitter smile: "I’ve lost."

"Never thought that the Northern State would produce a monster like you."

"That woman just now—isn’t even your equal!"

Early Stage of Celestial Immortal, yet could fight at the Peak of Celestial Immortal.

Even the Eastern Continent rarely saw such a thing.

In the same realm, there was none to match him.

Don’t even mention me—if Celestial Sword Mountain’s strongest core disciple saw this with his own eyes, he’d surely be left numb with shock.

"Thank you for letting me win."

Xu Yang cupped his hands in salute, "May I proceed now?"

"Of course."

Liang Zhen wiped the blood from his lips, nodding slightly.

"I don’t know where that woman went, but her strength is extraordinary. She has the bearing of one of Celestial Sword Mountain’s peak disciples. After entering the Eastern Continent, she surely won’t remain unknown."

With a flick of his sleeve, Liang Zhen sent out an ancient scroll. "This is a map of the Eastern Continent. Head southeast from here for about a thousand miles, there lies the great city of Celestial Sword City—the most esteemed ancient city under the jurisdiction of our Celestial Sword Mountain, with countless cultivators gathering there."

"There, Dragon and Tiger List and Wind and Cloud List are sold. When you arrive, you can check the Dragon and Tiger List."

"Dragon and Tiger List? Wind and Cloud List?"

Xu Yang’s eyes flickered with surprise and doubt.

Liang Zhen smiled faintly, "Though there is the Immortal Pride List, those who make it are but few. And not being listed does not mean one is weaker than the ones on it. Dragon and Tiger List and Wind and Cloud List are issued by Heaven’s Edge Pavilion, a power second only to the Seven Great Top Immortal Sects—and their reputation is solid enough."

"The Dragon and Tiger List selects a hundred prodigies under thirty in Eastern Continent; Wind and Cloud List ranks the ten strongest Golden Immortals at each stage, from Early, Middle, Late, to Extreme Realm—a total of forty spots."

"Since Starry Extreme Night, the strength of all cultivators in the Eastern Continent—be they geniuses or powerhouses—has advanced by leaps and bounds. Numerous prodigies now contend in many precious lands and forbidden domains. During this period, Heaven’s Edge Pavilion’s envoys are busy everywhere, updating the lists every three days, with rather detailed profiles."

Finishing his explanation, Liang Zhen saluted with his sword: "Perhaps before long, you will ascend the Dragon and Tiger List. May I know your honored name?"

"Xu Yang."

"Thank you for your guidance."

Xu Yang returned the salute, nodded slightly, and sped off in the southeast direction.

New to these lands, he ought to make inquiries first.

Finding Liou Xueyan was inevitable.

The contract meant he would have to help, sooner or later.

The sooner this was resolved, the better.

Liang Zhen watched Xu Yang depart, his face unable to hide his awe: "The prodigies of this generation in the Northern State are truly something else. That woman was already not weaker than a chief disciple—after Starry Extreme Night she must have improved greatly, and may well break into the top thirty of the Dragon and Tiger List."

"But this guy is even scarier. His cultivation may be lower, but if he makes a name for himself with one great battle, it’ll surely stir up quite a storm."

"The Dragon and Tiger List—I’d better head back and see if I can buy a new copy in a few days."

...

Celestial Sword City.

Vast and imposing, its limits disappeared into the distance at a glance.

Even from afar, an intimidating, cutting aura pressed on the heart.

It felt as though this ancient city was filled with millions of divine swords.

Drawing near, Xu Yang saw the towering city walls were covered in profound sword patterns—crisscrossing, awe-inspiring to behold.

With a slight sense, Xu Yang’s Primordial Spirit trembled.

"It even contains Sword Intent."

"Tsk."

"Just this one ancient city is worthy of an Eastern Continent top immortal sect’s foundation."

It was easy to imagine—building such a city required terrifying powerhouses and materials.

Sword patterns everywhere, accumulating Sword Intent, tempered by the sea of time—this ancient city itself would become something fearsome.

Xu Yang took a deep breath and descended from the sky, heading for the wide city gate.

There was more than one gate for entry; an endless stream of cultivators came and went.

Arriving before the gate, Xu Yang saw an ancient scroll posted on the wall.

It clearly detailed the city’s rules.

No flying in the city!

No fighting in the city!

No stealing in the city!

...

Every rule was clear and precise; light offenses meant a fine in Immortal Crystals or Immortal Jade, or imprisonment—serious offenses were punishable by death.

Of course, there were designated places for duels and fights within the city—contracts had to be signed, and special witnesses presided.

After committing all the rules to memory, Xu Yang finally entered the city.