Chapter 312-314 (Patreon)

312. Saber Sovereign Sect‘s Plight

Xiao Yuchen stood there, her eyes wide and mouth agape. She looked towards the elder guardian of the Martial King Tower, her gaze questioning.

Was that truly the shadow projection of the Martial King? Moreover, it hadn't displayed any formidable abilities before it was vanquished by Lin Fei's single stroke of the saber.

"Wait, was that the Dual-World Saber?"

A realization seemed to dawn on Xiao Yuchen, and her eyes widened even more.

The Dual-World Saber!

Lin Fei had only recently acquired it, no more than a couple of months prior. Yet, he had already mastered it. And it wasn't merely at the beginner level. This was a mastery level, perhaps even a transcendent level!

She knew how demanding the initiation to the Dual-World Saber was. Beginner was already so challenging, let alone mastering. Transcending seemed impossible. Yet, the undeniable truth stood before her eyes. Lin Fei had indeed mastered the Dual-World Saber!

"Indeed, I fortuitously mastered the Dual-World Saber. But, Aurora Sovereign, what did you mean by the 'shadow projection of the Martial King'? Was it that shadow from earlier?"

Lin Fei instantly recalled the shadow. Xiao Yuchen briefly explained about the shadow projection of the Martial King only then did Lin Fei understand. It seemed that the third level of the Martial King Tower had encountered an anomaly.

Originally, there were only supposed to be those three exotic beasts. Yet, an additional shadow had appeared. That was the shadow projection of the Martial King!

"It indeed was the shadow projection."

"Absolutely!"

"But why did the shadow projection appear so weak?"

"That question, I'm afraid, is for Sovereign Lin to answer."

The elder guardian of the Martial King Tower fixed his gaze intently upon Lin Fei. Lin Fei reminisced about the shadow he encountered within the Martial King Tower. When he had unleashed his Saber Domain and Gravity Domain, even the three exotic beasts were firmly suppressed, unable to move a muscle.

However, the shadow seemed entirely unaffected. It could even teleport instantaneously. Had it been someone else, or had Lin Fei only possessed the Black Wind Prison and Gravity Domain, he likely wouldn't have been able to counter the shadow projection.

Yet, with the Dual-World Saber at his disposal, things were different.

To date, the Dual-World Saber was the most potent Divine Ability Lin Fei had ever seen. Once the Dual-World Saber was drawn, few could stand against it.

The truth was evident. Even the shadow projection of the Martial King was no match. The words of the elder had made the onlookers reconsider. Clearly, it wasn't that the shadow projection of the Martial King was weak, but rather that Sovereign Lin was overwhelmingly powerful!

Especially that final stroke of the saber. With one swing, the shadow projection of the Martial King was instantly annihilated. That kind of power, even from a distance outside the Martial King Tower, sent chills down one's spine.

Now Xiao Yuchen could enter the blood pool on the third floor of the Martial King Tower.

"Aurora Sovereign, do you wish to enter the blood pool now?" Lin Fei inquired.

Xiao Yuchen hastily shook her head, "My third Great Divine Ability has not been perfected yet. Entering the blood pool now would be a waste. I can wait."

Hence, she promptly left the Martial King Tower with Lin Fei and returned to the courtyard.

"Aurora Sovereign," Lin Fei began, "I must now depart for the Saber Sovereign Sect."

"You're leaving now?" Xiao Yuchen hesitated before conceding, "Given your current prowess, Sovereign Lin, you can travel wherever you wish."

"Before I go, Aurora Sovereign, please keep an eye out for any news about the Ancient Origin Sect. Especially from Taiyi Dao Palace. Do they have any intentions towards the Ancient Origin Sect?"

It had been several months since Lin Fei left the Ancient Origin Sect. Although he speculated that Taiyi Dao Palace wouldn't dare act against the Ancient Origin Sect, changes might have occurred over these months.

Xiao Yuchen nodded, "That won't be an issue. Taiyi Dao Palace is of the Nascent Soul lineage, and many forces are watching them. It's easy to gather news about them. I'll arrange for someone to gather information about both Taiyi Dao Palace and Ancient Origin Sect immediately."

"Thank you," Lin Fei replied, and without further ado, he turned and took off, flying swiftly toward the Saber Sovereign Sect.

...

At the Saber Sovereign Sect, the number of disciples was now fewer than a hundred. It was a heart-wrenching sight.

The strongest person in the Saber Sovereign Sect now was only a Martial Saint, and not even a top-tier one, merely a mediocre Martial Saint. This was because they hadn't grasped the essence of the saber momentum.

How glorious was the Saber Sovereign Sect in its prime days? The founding patriarch was a peak Martial Sovereign, having mastered the Saber Domain to perfection. With over a hundred thousand disciples, they were once the dominant force in the region. Yet, who would have imagined the Saber Sovereign Sect would fall to such a state?

"Report!" a voice exclaimed, "The Wind-Thunder Sect has dispatched their top Foundation Establishment cultivator. They've given us three days to relocate the Saber Sovereign Sect and vacate our mountain gate. If not, the Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Wind-Thunder Sect will show no mercy and might attack the Saber Sovereign Sect."

The entire grand hall of the Saber Sovereign Sect fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

"Such audacity!"

"This is the mountain gate of our Saber Sovereign Sect. How can we simply relocate? If we move, the Saber Sovereign Sect will truly be finished!"

"What will even remain of the Saber Sovereign Sect? The ancestors would surely curse us from beyond for this betrayal. How could we ever face them again?"

For a moment, the grand hall was abuzz with heightened emotions. Yet, the sect master of the Saber Sovereign Sect remained steeped in silence.

The Wind-Thunder Sect pressured fiercely. Firstly, because the Saber Sovereign Sect's domain was undoubtedly a geomantic treasure, where Spiritual Qi from hundreds of miles around converged. The domain of the Wind-Thunder Sect paled significantly in comparison. Secondly, it was due to the Saber Sovereign Sect's current decline. They had reached the nadir of their power.

In the past, though the Saber Sovereign Sect waned, they were shielded by the Xiao Family, a renowned Martial King lineage. The Wind-Thunder Sect wouldn't dare challenge the Saber Sovereign Sect so brazenly under the Xiao family's protection.

However, now, the Wind-Thunder Sect also enjoyed the Xiao Family's patronage. What of the Saber Sovereign Sect? They had been unable to pay their tributes for years and were on the verge of being expelled by the Xiao Family.

Consequently, the Wind-Thunder Sect acted with arrogant impunity, forcing the Saber Sovereign Sect to relocate. If not, they would launch a full assault. Such threats were not to be taken lightly. Perhaps the Saber Sovereign Sect was indeed on the brink of extinction.

"Sect Master, have you sought help from the Xiao Family? How did the Xiao Family respond?"

For a moment, the remaining warriors of the Saber Sovereign Sect in the hall gazed earnestly at their sect master.

The sect master remained silent. After what felt like an eternity, he finally murmured, "The Xiao Family has yet to respond."

Silence!

The martial artists of the Saber Sovereign Sect were struck dumb. They all grasped the gravity of the situation. It suggested that perhaps the Xiao Family had truly forsaken the Saber Sovereign Sect.

However, they bore no resentment towards the Xiao Family. When the Saber Sovereign Sect initially sought their protection, a great deal of time had passed. They had not given much in return, and their survival until now was due to the Xiao Family's shielding grace. Without them, the Saber Sovereign Sect would have long been destroyed.

"It seems our Saber Sovereign Sect is now trapped in a dire strait."

"The position the Saber Sovereign Sect finds itself in today is due to our unworthy actions."

"Perhaps we should have forsaken the Dao of the saber long ago..."

Regret filled the voices of many elders.

"Enough! Saber Sovereign Sect has always been rooted in the Dao of the Saber. Is it even the Saber Sovereign Sect if we abandon the Saber Dao? If the Saber Sovereign Sect has indeed reached its end, those who wish to leave may do so."

The sect master's eyes were bloodshot with rage. However, glancing at the young disciples below, his vigor seemed to diminish instantly. If the Saber Sovereign Sect was eradicated, these disciples would be mercilessly slaughtered. An unbearable thought. But he wouldn't leave. No matter the cost.

"Was it wrong to dedicate ourselves solely to the Dao of the saber?"

After his outcry, a thought emerged in his mind. If the Saber Sovereign Sect did not revolve around the saber, would it still retain its essence?

With heavy eyes, the sect master closed them. He realized that their fate was sealed and there was no turning back. The Saber Sovereign Sect's demise was inevitable under his watch.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice echoed from outside the hall.

"The Saber Sovereign Sect is not at fault. Neither is the Dao of the saber. Founding on the saber is not mistaken. You all are the ones mistaken."

As the voice trailed off, a figure appeared within the hall. No one noticed his entrance. Every gaze in the vast hall was drawn to this enigmatic figure.

"Who are you?" The sect master's eyes sharpened.

"The savior of the Saber Sovereign Sect," Lin Fei declared calmly, hands clasped behind him.

313. Saber Sovereign's Legacy

With a sharp snap, Lin Fei swiftly cast out a token. The token found its resting place in the hands of the sect master of the Saber Sovereign Sect.

"Whoosh."

Upon seeing the token, the sect master rose to his feet, his countenance alight with fervor. With deep reverence, he greeted Lin Fei, "Greetings, Sovereign."

Martial Sovereign! Could it be that the man before them was the Martial Sovereign dispatched by the Xiao family? It seemed that the Xiao family indeed had received the distress signal from the Saber Sovereign Sect. And they had sent the Martial Sovereign in response. With a Martial Sovereign at their helm, the Saber Sovereign Sect would not fear the mere Wind-Thunder Sect.

Lin Fei spared a glance at the sect master of the Saber Sovereign Sect and calmly stated, "I am well acquainted with your predicament. Initially, the Xiao family intended to remain indifferent. However, I am a saber enthusiast. Therefore, I wish to see what the esteemed saber sect sovereign has bequeathed to you all. If you wish for my intervention to resolve your crisis, you must provide something of equal value. If not, I shall depart immediately."

Lin Fei's words chilled the air, dampening the enthusiasm of the Saber Sovereign Sect in an instant. At this juncture, what could the Saber Sovereign Sect possibly possess to entice a Martial Sovereign of the Xiao family's stature?

For a moment, every elder and disciple of the Saber Sovereign Sect hung their heads in dejection. With a heavy sigh, the Sect's sect master lamented, "To be frank, Sovereign, at this point, what can our Saber Sovereign Sect offer that would be worthy of someone of your esteemed status? Had we possessed such a treasure, our sect wouldn't have fallen into its current dire straits."

Indeed, had they such a treasure, they would've presented it to the Xiao family long ago. With the backing of the Xiao family, how would the Wind-Thunder Sect dare to threaten the Saber Sovereign Sect's mountain gate?

"No treasure?" Lin Fei's brow furrowed in discontent. Without it, he had no reason to gratuitously aid the Saber Sovereign Sect. He might as well let the Wind-Thunder Sect obliterate them; it bore no relevance to him. His disappointment was evident, he began to turn away.

"Sovereign, wait a moment," interjected the sect master, his voice edged with desperation. "Earlier, you mentioned being a saber enthusiast?"

"Indeed. While I do not strictly follow the Dao of the saber, I have manifested the Saber Domain. Thus, I came to your Saber Sovereign Sect to ascertain if the Saber sect master left behind anything that might augment my own Saber Domain."

Lin Fei did not hide his intentions; he sought means and methods to enhance his Saber Domain.

"You've cultivated the Saber Domain?" The revelation ignited a newfound zeal within the sect master.

"Yes, I have," Lin Fei responded, and with a mere thought, boom, the Saber Domain descended, engulfing the grand hall of the Saber Sovereign Sect.

All present were ensnared within the Saber Domain's bounds.

Thump.

Everyone, including the sect master, found themselves bowing under immense pressure. These martial artists couldn't even withstand the saber's momentum, let alone the Saber Domain of a Martial Sovereign. Even the slightest pressure was enough to render them completely immobile.

Lin Fei immediately retracted the Saber Domain. The Saber Sovereign Sect's sect master lifted his head, his face gleaming with wild elation.

"It's the Saber Domain! Truly the Saber Domain! To think we'd meet a Martial Sovereign capable of manifesting the Saber Domain, hahaha! Heaven has not abandoned our Saber Sovereign Sect!"

The Sect's sect master began laughing uproariously, an edge of madness to his jubilation.

Lin Fei did not question him. Instead, he simply stood there, watching the sect master's ecstatic laughter.

With a whoosh, the sect master regained his composure, his gaze firmly fixed on Lin Fei. He solemnly spoke, "Sovereign, if you possess the Saber Domain, perhaps you'll be interested in what our founder left behind."

"What did the founder of the Saber Sovereign Sect leave?"

"The Saber Domain! The founder sealed a Saber Domain within a saber! Nobody can approach it. Those who try are suppressed by the Saber Domain. It's believed the founder left the saber and Saber Domain behind to guard something. Regrettably, no disciple of the Saber Sovereign Sect has ever manifested the Saber Domain.

Thus, no one knows what exactly is being guarded by the Saber Domain. Sovereign, if you can help us resolve our crisis, everything our founder left can be yours."

With determination, the Sect's sect master revealed the price the Saber Sovereign Sect was willing to pay. However, upon hearing his words, many of the elders and disciples in the hall were visibly shocked.

"Sect master, how can we just hand over what the founder left to someone else?"

"Yes, that's our founder's legacy!"

"It's possible that what the founder left could herald the resurgence of our Saber Sovereign Sect!"

"We mustn't be so rash..."

"Silence!" The Saber Sovereign Sect's sect master rebuked loudly, "As of now, I am still the sect master, and my words represent the will of the Saber Sovereign Sect! Sovereign, if you can resolve our crisis, everything our founder left is yours for the taking!"

Lin Fei glanced at the sect master, admiration hidden within his gaze. This sect master was quite astute. On the surface, it seemed as if the Saber Sovereign Sect was making a huge sacrifice, offering up all that their founder left.

But what was the reality? No one truly knew what the founding sect master of the Saber Sovereign Sect had left behind.

Moreover, without Lin Fei, even on the brink of extinction, the Saber Sovereign Sect couldn't access what their founder had bequeathed.

The founder had left something potent enough for the Saber Sovereign Sect to rise immediately? It was simply implausible!

The founder of the Saber Sovereign Sect was but a Martial Sovereign. He was no Martial King, let alone a formidable Nascent Soul. Could he really have left behind a treasure that allowed the Saber Sovereign Sect to rival a Martial Sovereign?

The most pressing concern facing the Saber Sovereign Sect was the threat from the Wind-Thunder Sect. But the Lin Fei before them could effectively neutralize the threat, safeguarding the Saber Sovereign Sect. When weighing the pros and cons, the sect master of the Saber Sovereign Sect saw things clearly.

"Show me. If there truly exists a Saber Domain, regardless of whether it contains what I seek, I shall act on behalf of the Saber Sovereign Sect." Lin Fei declared calmly.

The Sect sect master's heart swelled with joy. Rising immediately, he respectfully intoned, "The saber left by our founder lies in the mountains behind. Please, Sovereign, follow me."

Thus, with the sect master leading the way, Lin Fei followed. Almost all the disciples and elders of the Saber Sovereign Sect exchanged glances.

One by one, they also rose and followed. After all, it was a crucial moment for the survival of the Saber Sovereign Sect. If they could save the Sect, even at great cost, it would be worth it. And besides, they were curious. What exactly had the founder left behind?

Lin Fei, following the Sect's sect master, soared to the peak of the rear mountain. Upon that peak, stood a single cave mansion. However, as they approached its entrance, the Sect sect master's expression twisted in pain.

With a bitter smile, he confessed, "Sovereign, I cannot proceed further. Once inside, one enters the Saber Domain. I cannot withstand its power."

Lin Fei nodded in understanding. The entire cave mansion was shrouded in the Saber Domain. Given the Sect sect master's mere Martial Saint status, naturally, he couldn't withstand the oppressive might of the Saber Domain.

So, taking a step forward, Lin Fei entered the cave mansion alone.

"Boom!"

As Lin Fei stepped inside, his eyes instantly landed on the saber. Immediately after, a vast Saber Domain erupted violently from the saber, pressing down on Lin Fei.

"Saber Domain! It truly is the Saber Domain!"

A trace of exhilaration flashed across Lin Fei's eyes. Unexpectedly, within the Saber Sovereign Sect, he would encounter the Saber Domain once again. The suppression of the Saber Domain was terrifying. Even a Martial Sovereign would falter beneath it.

Without a second thought, Lin Fei unleashed his own Saber Domain. Instantly, the two Saber Domains collided with ferocity. But at the next moment, an unexpected twist occurred in the next moment.

314. Great Harvest

Snap.

The saber was broken!

Such an unforeseen event left even Lin Fei slightly taken aback.

This saber bore the seal of the Saber Sovereign Sect's founding master's Saber Domain. If the saber were to shatter, it meant that the Saber Domain sealed within would be unleashed without hindrance. Perhaps, the Saber Domain would become immensely powerful at that moment.

However, it would be but a fleeting strength. Once the saber fragmented, its contained Saber Domain would gradually dissipate, eventually vanishing entirely.

A resonating hum arose.

The Saber Domain of the Saber Sovereign Sect's founding master soared to the heavens, effortlessly suppressing Lin Fei's Saber Domain. However, it showed no intention to completely overpower Lin Fei's Saber Domain. Instead, within the Saber Domain, it began to cultivate saber techniques.

A single saber technique, from its inception to its peak, to the birth of saber intent, evolving to saber momentum and ultimately culminating in the Saber Domain. It even progressed from this Saber Domain to perfection.

From nothingness to entirety. A full evolution.

Moreover, within Lin Fei's mind, it seemed as though the entire process of saber technique evolution had been indelibly etched. It would be hard to forget.

Lin Fei's heart jolted. He understood. He subtly grasped the intent of the Saber Sovereign Sect's founding master. The aim was to use the Saber Domain to engrave the entire evolution of the saber technique deeply within the Martial Sovereign's mind, aiding the Martial Sovereign in developing his own Saber Domain.

Such assistance was invaluable. For instance, a voice immediately echoed within Lin Fei's mind.

"Your Saber Domain has received the 'meticulous guidance' from the perfected Saber Domain, and your Saber Domain begins to attain enlightenment."

Lin Fei's Saber Domain had actually started this "enlightenment". It was a pleasant surprise. He didn't even need to sharpen it. With the perfected Saber Domain's "hands-on guidance", it was near impossible for Lin Fei's Saber Domain not to get enlightenment. Especially since Lin Fei's Saber Domain was just at mastery. There was ample room for elevation.

The enlightenment of Lin Fei's Saber Domain proved to be exceedingly fruitful. He could palpably feel his Saber Domain gradually growing stronger.

10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%...

Approximately an hour passed.

"Boom."

At last, Lin Fei's Saber Domain transformed.

"Your Saber Domain's enlightenment has concluded."

"Your Saber Domain has achieved a 101% increase in cultivation progress."

"Your Saber Domain has advanced to Transcendence!"

Lin Fei wasn't surprised. His Saber Domain had surged directly from Mastery to Transcendence. Such a leap was nothing short of a monumental breakthrough. This tremendous advancement brought along an unexpected joy. Namely, the Divine Ability: Dual-World Saber!

"Upon your Saber Domain's breakthrough to Transcendence, the Dual-World Saber has also enhanced, achieving a 50% progression in cultivation."

"Your Divine Ability: Dual-World Saber's cultivation progress is now 100%."

"Your Divine Ability: Dual-World Saber has reached perfection!"

"Boom."

Behind Lin Fei, a vast Life Wheel dramatically emerged. Upon the Life Wheel shone the third radiance of the Divine Ability Dual-World Saber, now blazing brilliantly. Clearly, the Divine Ability: Dual-World Saber had undergone a significant enhancement.

Perfection! The Divine Ability Dual-World Saber had ascended directly to perfection, spurred by the enhancement of the Saber Domain.

"System."

Lin Fei immediately summoned the system panel to check his martial progress.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Early Martial Sovereign

Great Divine Ability: Black Wind Prison: Perfection

Great Divine Ability: Gravity Domain: Perfection

Great Divine Ability: Dual-World Saber: Perfection

Saber Domain: Transcendence (Progress 1%)

Indeed, Lin Fei's Great Divine Ability Dual-World Saber had reached its pinnacle. He could now begin cultivating the fourth Divine Ability. And, upon mastering this fourth Divine Ability, he would leap from the early phase of Martial Sovereign directly to its mid-phase—a metamorphosis in essence.

His Saber Domain had also achieved Transcendence. Yet, it was not just a mere transcendence. There was still an additional 1% in cultivation progress. The prior enlightenment of the Saber Domain had resulted in a 101% increase. This surplus of 1% pointed in a certain direction—the path from Transcendence to Perfection.

With the guidance from the Saber Sovereign Sect's founding master's perfected Saber Domain, Lin Fei's Saber Domain had already comprehended its path: from mastery to transcendence, and then to perfection. Lin Fei had understood it all.

Thus, in the time to come, Lin Fei's Saber Domain could continue its enhancement until it reached its zenith. The only requirement might be the passage of time. For Lin Fei, this was, of course, splendid news. It meant that Lin Fei needn't strategize to elevate his Saber Domain. The Saber Domain would, on its own, gradually advance to its pinnacle, virtually without any barriers.

In other words, the fate of Lin Fei's Saber Domain was sealed. It was destined to reach perfection!

Finally, the profound Saber Domain in the cave dwelling, the legacy of the Saber Sovereign Sect's founding master, disappeared completely.

Gone.

The perfect realm Saber Domain left by the Saber Sovereign Sect's founder was completely gone. However, for Lin Fei, this was a trip of enormous gain. The assistance provided by the Saber Domain left behind was invaluable to Lin Fei, almost a qualitative leap.

All that was left on the ground was the broken saber.

Lin Fei gazed at the broken saber and calmly declared, "Since I've accepted your favor, I shall deal with Saber Sovereign Sect's troubles."

Paying a slight homage to the broken saber, he then sent a message to the people of the Saber Sovereign Sect outside, "Come in."

The sect members had seen the changes in the cave dwelling—the Saber Domain disappeared. Many were filled with anxiety, unsure of what had happened. Hearing Lin Fei's summons, the sect master and elders hurriedly entered.

"Sovereign, what is..." The moment the sect master entered the cave dwelling, his eyes fell on the broken saber on the ground. Shattered. Just the broken remains of a saber.

His heart trembled. If the saber was broken, naturally, the Saber Domain would have disappeared. He looked at Lin Fei with a hint of unease in his eyes.

Lin Fei probably guessed what the Sect leader was thinking. Thus, he calmly said, "The saber may be broken, but the Saber Domain left by the Sect's founder has been beneficial to me. Check out what the founder has left for you. He has already given me what I needed."

To Lin Fei, he had little interest in the other contents of the cave dwelling. The guidance of the Saber Domain left by the Sect founder, guiding him hand in hand, was more valuable than any treasure.

"Thank you, Sovereign!" The sect master was deeply moved and proceeded to inspect the cave.

"It's all here, it's all been here." He murmured in awe, "Divine Abilities of the Martial Sovereign. I thought the founder didn't leave us any martial Divine Abilities, but they're all here. Our later generations were incapable, lacking even one Martial Sovereign who could evolve the Saber Domain. Without evolving the Saber Domain, we couldn't enter this dwelling, allowing these martial Divine Abilities to gather dust."

Most of the abilities in the cave were related to the Saber Dao. Lin Fei took a cursory look. Most were Lesser Divine Abilities. Great Divine Abilities were rare. As for top-tier Great Divine Abilities, there wasn't a single one.

Lin Fei realized why the founder of the Saber Sovereign Sect had never achieved the Martial King realm. Maybe, from the beginning, he practiced Lesser Divine Abilities. Even if he had perfected the Saber Domain, without reaching Martial King, it was meaningless.

Lin Fei wasn't interested in these Divine Abilities. He intended to cultivate the fourth Divine Ability, which would surely be a top-tier Great Divine Ability. These Lesser Divine Abilities were irrelevant to him.

"Hmm? Wait, was this Divine Ability created by the Saber Sovereign Sect's founder?" Suddenly, Lin Fei spotted a Divine Ability that seemed different from the others.