Yan Baiyi, the sect's Master obviously had heard of this name, he just never met the person himself, but he still had a deep impression of the Golden Core chief disciple of the Yan Sect.

Although he didn't join the expedition this time, he had heard about the events outside Zhenbei City. At that time, he just felt a bit sorry, and never imagined the Master would stand alive before him, wanting to join the Sword Sect?

"Baiyi, haha, although the Sword Sect's relationship with the Yan Sect is shallow, they respect each other. Why would you think of coming... Such matters naturally resolve themselves over time. Can you really not go back? Like our Sect Hierarch, he's been in and out of the palace several times, and now nobody knows whether he's of the Sword Sect or Anhe, yet he still manages to get by? A thicker skin can get you through."

Yan Baiyi was very serious, "I'm not him, and I can't bring myself to be as shameless as he is. Since I've left the Yan Sect, I will never go back."

The Master was extremely conflicted, as this was determined by the Sword Sect's stance regarding the continent's various Daoist sects; for example, the Yan Sect is a potential ally of the Sword Sect, and a relatively strong one at that. There aren't many forces on the Jinxiu Continent with some power but aren't fond of Daoist sects, and among the ones that do, only the Qin Sect and Yan Sect are notable. How could he not care?

Taking in Yan Baiyi today would plant a thorn between the Sword Sect and the Yan Sect, which would be counterproductive. This little fellow's status within the Yan Sect is no small matter; he is the foremost Golden Core cultivator next to Langshan Daoist.

It's imaginable, with this thorn, who knows how the Southeast Daoists will scheme in secret.

"No way! Baiyi, you stay at Dushan for a while. Later, I'll personally visit the Yan Sect to discuss and mediate for you. What do you think?"

Yan Baiyi was unyielding, with a gentle attitude but firm tone, "Senior, this is not a reckless act on a whim but a decade of introspection. I don't feel I've let down the Yan Sect, because I have also given much.

This is not a personal grievance but a conflict of ideals. The Yan Sect's artifact-making ability is now reaching a higher level, long since no longer confined to a single Eight Diagrams Flag, instead with increasingly varied methods of choice, but my heart remains sincere to just one!

You needn't worry about my future. Outside Zhenbei City, Baiyi made his stance clear, becoming a free man. Don't regard me as a disciple of the Yan Sect. I am now a true independent practitioner."

The Master was caught in a dilemma, knowing Yan Baiyi was right, but the matters within cultivation are so intriguing. Those sect-affiliated cultivators he could accept without hesitation, yet this theoretically unrestrained Yan Baiyi troubled him greatly.

In the end, he still refused to give a definitive answer, "So, I'll discuss with the sect again, hm, Sect Hierarch is currently in seclusion practicing swordsmanship..."

Yan Baiyi's face darkened, "Why go to him, Senior? Lest you see his gloating face; you must give Baiyi a reply now. I've seen that Cao Xie monk, we once fought together outside Zhenbei City, and you wouldn't want this news to spread across the continent, would you?"

The Master widened his eyes; he dare threaten him? But when others threatened him, he could suppress them on the spot, yet with this guy, he couldn't. Contemplating deeply, he finally considered the relationship of this boy with the Sect Hierarch's friends and sighed inwardly, knowing he probably couldn't stop him.

"In that case, you go. But if the flying sword doesn't choose you, then you can't blame me for being ruthless, don't use your threats on this old man, or I'll let Hou Gouzi loose!"

Yan Baiyi showed a joyous expression, bowing deeply, "Thank you, Senior, for making it happen. You needn't worry about the flying sword matter; I don't know about others, but since I've come, there will definitely be one for me!"

Watching Yan Baiyi leave the hall proudly, the Master felt a little dazed. Four people—a crown, a garment, a belt, a shoe—was this a full set?

Could they all stay?

In matters of cultivation, what one fears often comes true; yet these people are indeed exceptionally talented, in the past, each would occupy the core true inheritor status, no Daoist would truly reject such talent.

Hidden within the troubled face was expectation; this is the Master's true inner feeling.

...The second day, Heavenly Sword Platform.

The restrictive array was set, nearly a thousand cultivators sat orderly on the platform. They didn't need to fight for positions. At that moment, the sword flow swept over, everyone would have a chance. It's about the profound relationship between the cultivators and the flying swords.

Among nearly a thousand, there were four hundred outsiders, over five hundred Sword Sect disciples, which was reasonable. No matter how much emphasis was placed on outsiders, Sword Sect disciples must be the protagonists.

Through victory in Lihai and traversing the continent, many sword cultivators emerged in such struggles, and the merits were plain to see; clearly displayed, no one could argue otherwise.

Everything was ready, the auspicious time had arrived, a sword whistle sounded as the Master appeared on the Heavenly Sword Platform, looking at the countless pairs of expectant eyes in the audience, with great excitement in his heart. If it continued this way once a year, what would the Sword Sect develop into in decades? By then, they could easily pull together a few thousand strong army of sword cultivators; just the thought is incredibly wonderful.

"Swords belong to those who are fated; do not force it; the opportunity is rare, cherish it."

With that, with a flick of his wrist, over five hundred flying swords burst forth, instantly filling the skies above the Heavenly Sword Platform. The last time, during the Dushan Great Gathering, three hundred swords were released, this time even more. Actually, if they scrape through the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven more could be found, but it's unnecessary.

These five hundred flying swords were the most active in the Cave Heaven, perfect in every aspect, without flaws. Moreover, to speak frankly, these five hundred flying swords are far from being used up. Last time, three hundred sword embryos were released, yet only over thirty were taken, amounting to just ten percent.

As soon as the five hundred sword embryos appeared, the entire sky above the platform boiled over, sword whistles rang out incessantly, surging back and forth, restless; but the cultivators were already informed of the sword embryos' characteristics in advance, so they weren't anxious, controlling their mind, keeping their consciousness focused, quietly awaiting the calm of the sword embryos.

Soon, the sword embryos finally calmed down, beginning to form a sword river, slowly spiraling above the cultivators' heads, so low that slightly descending the sword blade would turn the cultivators below into sieves.

This is also a test for cultivators; many of them will feel fear, especially those from the Outer Path sects. They might covertly apply mana, even clutch magic spells just in case, yet it's these actions that first exclude them from candidacy.

Afraid of flying swords? Then why receive sword embryos? They understand these principles, but in the moment, these habitually vigilant cultivators have instinctive reactions, leading to their exclusion.

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