Super Gene Ⅱ: Evolution

The onlookers outside the Sword Saint Palace were all restless, itching with curiosity because they couldn't get inside.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Someone is live-streaming from inside the Sword Saint Palace!" The crowd immediately scrambled to open their communicators and search for the live broadcast.

Sure enough, the stream showed a live view from within the Sword Saint Palace, featuring Ximen Swordsman and his group as they entered.

Many participants in the ranking test decided to start watching the live stream as well.

Some rather clever individuals, after queuing to enter the palace, chose not to proceed to the testing grounds but instead rushed to watch Ximen Swordsman's test.

The live stream had been started by one such participant, who walked while narrating, "Folks, this is Ximen Swordsman's third attempt at drawing the sword. Whether he succeeds or not remains unknown, but the guy walking alongside him has guaranteed that he'll pass. Let's wait and see how he pulls it off…"

Lin Shen and his group arrived at the square of the Sword Saint Palace. On the stone monument in the center of the square was a long blade without a sheath, its entire blade embedded into the stone monument, leaving only the sword hilt visible.

The sword hilt was entirely pink, with a pink crystal embedded on it.

This was the Peerless Divine Sword, the custom-made weapon of Kristin after becoming the Dharma King. Having proven undefeated across the cosmos, Kristin embedded the Peerless Divine Sword into the sword-testing stone and never used it again.

In today's universe, no one was qualified enough to make Kristin wield the sword.

Even without the sword, no one could defeat Kristin in a one-on-one duel.

With all eyes fixed on him, Ximen Swordsman instructed Ximen Ailian to stand aside and wait, while he himself walked toward the sword-testing stone.

"Didn't that guy say he would help Ximen Swordsman pass the test? Why is he just standing there, silent and doing nothing?"

"Damn, is he trying to pull a fast one? If Ximen Swordsman can't draw the sword, he'll just lose face; but if he succeeds, that guy gets the credit. People who don't know better might even think he's really skilled."

"666, learned a new trick today."

The crowd thought of Lin Shen as nothing more than a slick opportunist, no different from a deceitful swindler.

As the chatter continued, Ximen Swordsman placed his palm on the hilt of the Peerless Divine Sword, his aura surging forth like a gentle spring, calm on the surface yet seemingly imbued with boundless energy.

It was akin to hidden currents in a deep pool—serene on the exterior but bursting with vigorous force beneath.

After joining the Chi Family, Ximen Swordsman had achieved numerous military accomplishments, advancing step by step to his current standing and earning Chi Yi's deep favor. He was viewed as a key talent deserving special cultivation.

Ximen Swordsman did not disappoint Chi Yi's expectations; with ample resources, his level and strength grew rapidly.

Now that Chi Yi had ascended to the position of Heavenly Emperor, Ximen Swordsman was considered the Celestial Race's top swordsman.

In terms of swordsmanship alone, Ximen Swordsman might not rank lower than Kristin, although the paths the two had taken were vastly different.

However, when it came to raw combat power, Ximen Swordsman was far inferior to Kristin, primarily because Kristin was a Dharma King and had mastered Lin Shen's Peerless Divine Skill.

Ximen Swordsman's personal Law was the Future Law, which was powerful compared to other Immortals but still lacking against someone of Kristin's level.

He wanted to study the Peerless Divine Skill to take a further leap, as the status of Immortal was not his ultimate goal.

Although he had comprehended the introductory chapter, he hadn't reached the realm of perfection yet, failing to draw the Peerless Divine Sword in his previous two attempts.

This time, he came prepared, having attained perfection in the introductory chapter—otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to come again.

As Ximen Swordsman unleashed his power, he infused his comprehension of the introductory chapter into the effort.

The Peerless Divine Sword, which hadn't budged in his prior attempts, unexpectedly shifted slightly.

Everyone watching was stunned; Ximen Swordsman had actually managed to nudge the Peerless Divine Sword. Could this mean Kristin would have to lend him the secret manual of the Peerless Divine Skill?

Several Immortals witnessing this moment began scheming internally.

If Ximen Swordsman could borrow the Peerless Divine Skill manual through such means, couldn't they do the same?

Many believed Ximen Swordsman was about to draw the Peerless Divine Sword. However, Lin Shen secretly shook his head. "That sword clearly carries the power of Ghost God, which isn't purely derived from the introductory chapter. No matter how perfectly he has mastered it, there's simply no way to draw the sword."

"Kristin is truly a genius. Even without cultivating Ghost God Technique himself, he somehow upgraded a sword into the Ghost God Sword, effectively making it a Ghost God incarnation. His conception is downright whimsical—truly impressive!" Even Lin Shen had to admire Kristin's brilliance, ranking him alongside Di Esi in terms of audacious innovation in cultivation.

Ximen Swordsman, talented as he was, had made one fundamental mistake.

The Peerless Divine Skill's introductory chapter and the complete Peerless Divine Skill were entirely different beasts. The Peerless Divine Sword was based on the complete Peerless Divine Skill, borrowing only traces of the introductory chapter's content—a small portion overall.

No matter how thoroughly Ximen Swordsman mastered the introductory chapter, he wouldn't be able to draw the sword.

Unless he could independently grasp Ghost God Technique, which was implausible.

Humans cannot comprehend the unknowable; understanding requires foundational knowledge.

After that brief shift, the Peerless Divine Sword grew still, no matter how much effort Ximen Swordsman exerted—it wouldn't budge further.

Such an outcome was within Lin Shen's expectations. This sword was simply indomitable to ordinary individuals unless one could channel its Ghost God power.

Realizing it was futile to persist, Ximen Swordsman released the hilt and prepared to leave the sword-testing stone.

"Don't give up just yet. I haven't acted yet," said Lin Shen, stopping Ximen Swordsman in his tracks.

Ximen Swordsman frowned at Lin Shen, unsure of what he was planning—he certainly didn't believe Lin Shen could help him draw the Peerless Divine Sword.

"Is this guy serious?"

"Talking big at this stage—could he actually mean it?"

"No way. Ximen Swordsman couldn't do it; what could he possibly use to help?"

Lin Shen didn't care what others thought. Without a word, he flicked his hand, and a folding fan appeared in his grip. He casually fanned it at Ximen Swordsman.

The crowd saw nothing unusual about the gesture; it seemed casual and inconsequential.

However, Ximen Swordsman's eyes narrowed—he sensed a sudden surge of power within him.

"Try again," Lin Shen said to Ximen Swordsman.

Ximen Swordsman's expression shifted subtly as he extended his hand to grip the Peerless Divine Sword's hilt once more.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Just waving a fan like that—what difference could it make?"

"Ridiculous. If that actually works, I'll swallow the sword-testing stone whole!"

"Does he think he's an Old Immortal, fanning a little immortal qi to make someone ascend in broad daylight?"

No one believed Lin Shen's casual fan-waving could make a difference. Yet as Ximen Swordsman poured his strength into the sword's hilt, a brilliant pink sword aura erupted from the connection between the Peerless Divine Sword and the sword-testing stone, growing increasingly radiant.