The Legend of the Immortals Prequel: Wilderness Journey
Dao Xuan was about to speak again when Zheng Tong suddenly interjected, "Alright, both of you stop talking!"
After all, Zheng Tong was a respected elder of the current Azure Cloud Sect. Both Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One held him in some regard, and upon hearing his words, they fell silent and turned to look at him.
Zheng Tong's gaze swept back and forth between the two young men, his expression appearing somewhat complex but ultimately more pleased. After a moment, he sighed lightly and said, "In my opinion, it would be best to let Jian Yi go."
Ten Thousand Swords in One was overjoyed, but Dao Xuan felt a bit anxious. He stepped forward and said, "Uncle Master, please listen to me..."
Zheng Tong gently waved his hand to interrupt Dao Xuan, saying, "Nephew Dao Xuan, I understand your intentions. Caring for the overall situation and cherishing your junior brother is commendable. With someone like you as a disciple of the sect leader, we old folks can rest easy. However, regarding this matter, you should heed my advice and let Jian Yi go."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "In terms of talent and skills, both you and Jian Yi are the most outstanding in our Azure Cloud Sect. Even when faced with danger and making quick decisions, you are equally matched. However, given that the Righteous and Demonic War has just ended and our Sect is in disarray with many urgent matters to address, as you both witnessed earlier... the condition of our sect leader means he likely cannot handle affairs personally for some time. Therefore, this heavy responsibility must fall on you, Nephew Dao Xuan."
Dao Xuan fell silent and could not find words to respond. Meanwhile, Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded repeatedly. He then walked over to Dao Xuan, placed a hand on his arm with a sincere expression, and said, "Brother, your talent surpasses mine tenfold. Now that our Sect cannot do without you for even a moment, how can you put yourself in danger? There is no need for us to compete over this matter."
Dao Xuan breathed heavily, seemingly stirred by emotions. After pondering for a long time, he finally nodded with difficulty and said, "If that's the case, I cannot refuse any longer. However, if you are to go, you must promise me two things."
Ten Thousand Swords in One replied earnestly, "Please go ahead, Brother."
Dao Xuan said, "First, the journey into the wilderness is exceedingly difficult. Even though your skills are remarkable, going alone is still too much of a strain. If you must go, you need to select several people from the sect to accompany you. Only through collective effort can we accomplish great tasks." He paused slightly before continuing after some thought: "The number of companions need not be too many; three or four will suffice. But when selecting them, pay attention to three points: first, they must be strong enough; second, they should not be too well-known; third, they must be willing to join willingly. Only then can they face danger together."
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded slowly and said, "That makes sense."
Dao Xuan took a deep breath and said, "As for the specific candidates, you can choose them yourself. If I think of someone suitable later, I will let you know. However, since this matter needs to be done, it is better to act quickly than slowly. Taking advantage of the chaos in the Demon Sect, we should hasten into the wilderness. By today, you should pick someone and report back to me, then we will set off tonight under the cover of darkness."
Zheng Tong, who was standing nearby, was also taken aback and said, "Is it that urgent?"
A resolute look flashed across Dao Xuan's face as he looked at Ten Thousand Swords in One and asked, "What do you think?"
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded and replied enthusiastically, "Very good!" After a pause, he looked at Dao Xuan and asked, "Senior Brother, what is the second matter?"
Dao Xuan stared directly at Ten Thousand Swords in One. His lips moved slightly, and his voice seemed to suddenly become a bit hoarse. After a long while, he whispered, "Come back alive..."
Ten Thousand Swords in One was momentarily stunned but then laughed heartily. With his hands clasped in a fist and his sword-like brows raised, he confidently declared, "Senior Brother, rest assured. As brothers, we will definitely gather here again in the future."
His words were as firm as iron without any hesitation. He then turned around, waved his sleeves, and strode away.
Watching his figure—his white clothes billowing and his posture upright—he walked out of the corridor and into the sunlight.
***
Ten Thousand Swords in One made his way down from Yuqing Palace and crossed Rainbow Bridge. He arrived at The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies. Along the way, he noticed several disciples of Azure Cloud Sect moving about on The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies. He glanced around but fell silent in thought. Although he felt quite confident after his conversation with Senior Brother Dao Xuan at Yuqing Palace, the urgency of finding suitable candidates left him feeling somewhat troubled. It was indeed challenging to meet two somewhat contradictory requirements: being low-profile yet strong enough.
However, even though Dao Xuan did not make it clear, Ten Thousand Swords in One was clever enough to catch the underlying meaning in Dao Xuan's words and had no doubts about these conditions. The Azure Cloud Sect was a prominent sect with outstanding disciples whose reputations had spread early on. As for the exceptional figures among the newer young disciples—due to their short time in the sect or being part of other branches—he didn't know them very well.
After pondering for a moment while standing still, Ten Thousand Swords in One thought of someone and quickly reached out to stop a passing Azure Cloud Disciple nearby. He quietly instructed him with a few words.
With his current status and fame in the Sect, he was almost revered by all his fellow disciples. After hearing his words, the disciple nodded in agreement without hesitation and strode away.
Ten Thousand Swords in One stood with his hands clasped behind his back, pacing back and forth on the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies, occasionally glancing at the fellow disciples moving around on the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies. His brow furrowed tighter, revealing a hint of anxiety. After waiting for a while, suddenly, a sound of breaking air echoed, and with a flash of sword light, someone flew in from afar on a sword, landing at the edge of the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies—it was Azure Pine.
As soon as Azure Pine steadied himself, he looked around and soon spotted Ten Thousand Swords in One standing at a distance. He hurried over, cupping his hands in salute and saying, "Wan Shixiong, did you need something from me?"
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded solemnly, pulling him aside to a secluded spot. He spoke to him in a low voice, finally stating seriously, "This matter is extremely dangerous; it would not be an exaggeration to say it is a matter of life and death. For now, you are the only suitable candidate I can think of. However, whether you go or not is entirely your decision; you must consider it carefully. Once you leave the mountain, there will be no turning back. There are no others here; you can speak freely without reservation. I will not disclose today's events to anyone."
As Azure Pine listened to Ten Thousand Swords in One's account, his expression changed several times, revealing a complex mix of emotions. After Ten Thousand Swords in One finished speaking, he did not respond immediately but stood silently for a while before taking a deep breath. He looked at Ten Thousand Swords in One and resolutely said, "Wan Shixiong, I will go!"
Ten Thousand Swords in One gazed into his eyes and said solemnly, "Have you thought this through?"
Azure Pine replied earnestly, "Serving the Sect is my lifelong ambition. Moreover, to join my senior brother in this grand endeavor—no matter how great the danger may be—what place would I dare not go?"
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