Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

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Blood sprayed like flowers, and the three core elders from the Vault of Sky Sword Sect met their untimely deaths.

One could say their manner of death was extremely shameful, for they were stamped out beneath Gu Chen's foot, feeling a deep sense of humiliation moments before they perished.

Clearly, it was intentional on Gu Chen's part.

Upon their arrival, they acted so high and mighty, giving orders with an air of superiority, not taking anyone seriously. Their offer for Gu Chen to join the holy ground was delivered with such arrogance—as if they were doing Gu Chen a favor.

But in the end, this was the fate they met.

At that moment, Gu Chen's gaze shifted, looking toward the Qiong Mountain Sword engulfed by the sea of sword energy in mid-air.

Without the support of the Return to Origin Extinguishing Sword Array, the Qiong Mountain Sword, though extraordinary, could not unleash its full power and its resistance grew weaker.

Soon after, with a thought from Gu Chen, the sky full of sword energy dissipated, and with a step, he moved as fast as lightning to arrive close to the Qiong Mountain Sword.

Whoosh!

In an instant as the sword energy vanished, the Qiong Mountain Sword flickered, seeking to pierce through the void and leave the place, to return on its own to the Vault of Sky Sword Sect.

But how could Gu Chen allow it to have its way?

Swish!

Just as the Qiong Mountain Sword was about to disappear, Gu Chen's hand shot out like lightning, grabbing it directly in his grasp.

Hum!

The Qiong Mountain Sword trembled, its blade flashing, trying to break free from Gu Chen's binding, clearly somewhat unwilling to concede.

But unfortunately, even when wielded by its master, it had not been Gu Chen's match, let alone now.

Gu Chen's expression remained calm as he firmly held it with his left palm. Instantly, the Qiong Mountain Sword, as if sensing some terrifying force, fell still.

"Indeed, there is a restraint for everything." Seeing this, Gu Chen's brows slightly raised, his expression subtly shifting.

He discovered that in the face of the mysterious gauntlet, no weapon could escape its influence, as if it were the emperor among weapons, capable of subduing all.

After claiming the divine weapons of the Fourth Master and Fifth Master, Gu Chen and the Tower Supervisor disappeared in a flash, leaving the place.

At this moment, inside the imperial study of the palace, Ji Yuan was waiting for news with a grave expression.

The deputy leader of the Jing Tian Department, Qin Wu, sat below him, his expression just as solemn as Ji Yuan's.

With a swoosh, Gu Chen appeared.

"Is the matter resolved?" Seeing Gu Chen's arrival, Ji Yuan eagerly asked.

Qin Wu also fixed his gaze unwaveringly on Gu Chen.

Gu Chen smiled faintly, saying, "Your Majesty and Qin Command can rest assured, everything has been settled."

"Phew—"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan and Qin Wu simultaneously let out a breath of relief, their complexions visibly relaxing.

The eunuch Huang was similarly relieved.

During this time, he barely dared to breathe for fear of affecting the new emperor, Ji Yuan.

Then, anger emerged on Ji Yuan's face as he said, "The Vault of Sky Sword Sect has gone too far, daring to take action in Tiandu!"

"They simply do not regard anyone outside of the sacred grounds, throughout the Nine Provinces, as part of the Human Clan. In their eyes, we are no different from livestock. Had it not been for Gu Chen, Tiandu would have been in danger today," said Qin Wu, the deputy leader of the Jing Tian Department, with a somber tone.

"Those damned creatures, I truly wish I could slaughter them all!" Emperor Ji Yuan clenched his fists tightly, his teeth clenched in anger.

Gu Chen, too, was angered by the actions of the three elders, as hundreds of innocent civilians and guards had died as a result.

With their Coagulation Field realm full completions, there really was no need for them to treat ordinary people like this.

"Are they practicing martial arts just to show off their might against ordinary people?!" Ji Yuan said, seething.

With his modest martial talent and average cultivation, Ji Yuan understood all too well the helplessness and panic that the civilians and guards must have felt before the three elders, because he himself felt no sense of security when facing such martial arts experts.

"As the ruler of a country, it's infuriating that my people have been slaughtered like this, and yet I have no power to fight back, only passively waiting for someone to come knocking on the door!" Ji Yuan ground his teeth, shaking with anger.

Qin Wu was also extremely furious, forcibly suppressing his rage as he sat there in silence.

It was unavoidable; after all, the Vault of Sky Sword Sect was one of the six great sacred lands, and not something Da Xia could afford to provoke. Fleeing was already difficult enough, let alone taking the initiative to strike.

At this, Gu Chen spoke up, "If Your Majesty wishes to retaliate, it's not as if there are no methods available."

"What methods?" Upon hearing this, both Ji Yuan and Qin Wu's eyes lit up, looking over with hopeful expressions.

Gu Chen said, "Those three thieves have been killed by me. Your Majesty could order the bodies to be sent to Tianzhou. Once the Vault of Sky Sword Sect sees these three corpses, they will surely be furious."

"Excellent idea!" Ji Yuan's face lit up with excitement, "Since we cannot deal with them directly, disgusting them is also good."

"Indeed," agreed Qin Wu with a nod.

"No." At this, Gu Chen shook his head, causing Ji Yuan and Qin Wu to look at him in surprise.

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"Gu Chen, what are your thoughts?" Ji Yuan asked, puzzled.

"We could take the offensive!" Gu Chen said.

"Take the offensive?!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan, Qin Wu, and Eunuch Huang all changed color, for this was the Vault of Sky Sword Sect, the foremost sanctum of swordsmanship in the world. With Da Xia's current strength, how could they wage war against the Vault of Sky Sword Sect?

Moreover, Burning Heaven Valley, the Vault of Sky Sword Sect, and Mount Tianzhu were all in league. If Da Xia were to wage war against the Vault of Sky Sword Sect, the other two sacred places would also join forces against Da Xia—something utterly unbearable for them.

"You couldn't possibly have persuaded other sacred sects to help us, could you?" Ji Yuan asked.

Ji Yuan was well aware that the No Limits Dao Gate, Cloud Heaven Palace, and the Sumeru Buddha Sect had all tried to recruit Gu Chen.

"That's not possible," Gu Chen shook his head upon hearing this. Although the three great sanctums like No Limits Dao Gate didn't get along with the Vault of Sky Sword Sect, they were still among the six great sanctums, and stirring up strife among them was clearly impossible.

"If that's the case, then what do you mean by 'taking the offensive'?" Ji Yuan frowned. If it were anyone other than Gu Chen suggesting this, Ji Yuan would already be displeased.

After all, the idea of Da Xia going to war with a sacred place was akin to the ravings of a lunatic; they should count themselves lucky if the sacred places did not actively seek trouble with them.

It was frustrating, but given the disparity in strength, this was the only option for now.

Gu Chen spoke calmly, "Merely enduring is not a solution. The best defense is a good offense. Since they dared to attack Tiandu, then we can also attack the Vault of Sky Sword Sect."

With these words, Ji Yuan instantly understood, his expression changing as he said, "You plan to go to the Vault of Sky Sword Sect alone? That's absolutely not allowed!"

The Deputy Commander of the Jing Tian Department, Qin Wu, also hurriedly added, "Gu Chen, please, stay calm. Don't let anger cloud your judgment."

"I am calm," Gu Chen said evenly, "With my current strength, there aren't many within the Vault of Sky Sword Sect who can match me—and I don't plan to go there openly but intend to infiltrate stealthily."

"Is this really feasible?" The newly-crowned Emperor Ji Yuan was still somewhat skeptical, yet astonished by Gu Chen's audacity.

Ordinary people would be petrified just being targeted by a sacred place, but Gu Chen was not only composed but had repeatedly caused losses to the sacred sects. Now, he even intended to actively seek revenge on a sacred place.

Such fortitude was indeed rare in the world.

Even Qin Wu felt deeply moved, believing Gu Chen to be incredibly bold and confident.

But he still disagreed, frowning, "No, this plan seems too reckless. You should know that inside the six great sanctums reside powerhouses of the Divine Intent Realm, and not just one of them!"

This information stemmed from the former Emperor of Da Xia. Over two decades ago, after establishing his rule and exerting pressure over all nine provinces, he had considered breaking through the six great sanctums.

He had personally approached them, but eventually returned without starting a war.

The reason for this was that inside the six great sanctums were powerhouses of the Divine Intent Realm, and more than one at that. Should all these individuals take action, the nine provinces would be thrown into chaos again.

Therefore, the Emperor retreated and, after returning, declared he would enter seclusion never to emerge until he had broken through to the Celestial Realm.

"No matter, those of the Divine Intent Realm can't easily take action," Gu Chen said unperturbed.

Just a moment ago, he had shared his thoughts with the Tower Supervisor, who in turn had informed Gu Chen that, indeed, powerhouses of the Divine Intent Realm resided within the six great sanctums; however, they were all in slumber.

Due to the deteriorating environment in the nine provinces, the birth of those with the Divine Intent was exceedingly difficult. Even the six great sanctums faced this issue. To maintain their supremacy and to be prepared for unforeseen events, the Divine Intent warriors of the sanctums had sealed themselves using a special method.

In this state, their lifespan would decline more slowly, thereby extending their existence for a longer time. They would not emerge unless absolutely necessary, in cases such as the destruction of their sanctum or threats to its foundations. Otherwise, they would not leave seclusion.

"Is this really doable?" Ji Yuan and Qin Wu were still hesitant.

"Your Majesty and Commander Qin, rest assured. I have a plan, but before I leave, there is one more thing I need to do," Gu Chen said, calming them and indicating they need not worry.

"Regardless, be extremely careful. To Da Xia as it stands, you are the stabilizing sea needle. Your presence is more important even than mine!" said Emperor Ji Yuan.

Neither Gu Chen, Qin Wu, nor Eunuch Huang anticipated that the ruler of a nation would personally admit to such a fact, clearly surprising them all.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant understands," Gu Chen responded.

After some further discussion, Gu Chen left the imperial palace and returned to the Jing Tian Department, heading to the secret chamber.

At that moment, with a flip of his palm, he took out the Qiong Mountain Sword, which attempted to flee as soon as it appeared but was promptly calmed by Gu Chen's grip with his left hand.

"If you cannot be of use to me, then there is no point in keeping you."

As he spoke, Gu Chen communicated with the mysterious gauntlet, and instantly, the gleaming gauntlet began to circulate a mysterious energy, causing the Qiong Mountain Sword to tremble as its fundamental energy rapidly depleted.

In truth, the Qiong Mountain Sword was extraordinary; without it, Gu Chen, whose strength had greatly increased, could easily have slain the Third Master and others.

It was because of this sword that it took a little more time, and if it had not been Gu Chen, even the Tower Supervisor would probably have found it challenging to kill the Third Master and others in the face of this sword.

Soon, as the mysterious gauntlet continued to drain the essence of the Qiong Mountain Sword, cracks began to appear on the blade, while its body swiftly dimmed.

Crack! Crack!

Moments later, as sounds of shattering filled the air, the Qiong Mountain Sword was stripped of its fundamental strength and disintegrated into powder, dissipating completely.

Hum!

And as it absorbed the power of the Qiong Mountain Sword, the mysterious gauntlet seemed to reach a critical threshold, flickering incessantly, with the light even passing through flesh and bone to Gu Chen's skin surface.

"Hmm?!"

In the next instant, as Gu Chen watched in amazement, the lucent spread, and the mysterious gauntlet extended through his flesh and bone, ultimately transforming into a black bracer that covered his entire left forearm.

"This power?!" Feeling the change in the ancient artifact, the mysterious gauntlet, Gu Chen was taken aback.

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