Demon Sword Sect's Undercover

Not to mention the complex psychological changes among the observers, some held awe toward the strength of the Sword Sect, some secretly scorned the ineptitude of the Daoist Sect, some resolved to further deepen relations, some harbored resentment yet had no outlet, while others were secretly wary of the rising speed of the Sword Sect, and so on.

But on the Heavenly Sword Platform, the rampant sword stream finally showed a hint of fatigue. After being released for an hour, the sword stream began to calm, no longer as violent. They were Flying Swords with Spiritual Sense, understanding that if they wished to see and experience new worlds, they must cooperate with humans.

They knew it was time to find a suitable master for themselves.

Cultivators began to have opportunities. They released their Divine Sense, contacting and colliding with the Spiritual Sense of the flying swords. It's a difficult mutual selection opportunity, much harder than throwing an embroidered ball, but the result is the same, a throw determines a lifetime, never to be changed.

The contact proceeded with extreme caution, both sides were very careful, neither had experience; for the flying swords, it was the first time in millennia, and for cultivators, it was like a maiden's first bridal ride. Ensuring that the first time wasn't too painful, yet somewhat pleasurable, was truly not easy.

There were many things to consider, such as an intuitive look, the necessary compatibility of the Five Elements, an aligned disposition and temperament, and so forth.

No one pursued a particular flying sword. This wasn't something to be forced. If a flying sword wanted, it would hover over the cultivator's head, deepening the exchange; if either party was dissatisfied, they would decisively separate, never forcing it.

Time passed slowly, and outsiders found it hard to discern the details of their exchanges; it belonged to the spiritual domain, not visible externally, making it somewhat tedious.

Among over two hundred people, only less than half had flying swords hovering over their heads, and they were mostly Sword Sect disciples; flying swords had spirits, and their judgment of human cultivators was exceptionally keen. Just pretending to be a Sword Cultivator didn't fool them into thinking you were one, as many mysterious elements were involved.

After an hour, there was finally the first successful match, none other than Hou Niao's old acquaintance and brother, Dou Gong, who once fought side by side at Yinling.

Among that group, only he entered the Dao and eventually reached the Golden Core of the Upper Realm. Others either never entered the Dao or struggled painfully within the three realms of Tongtian. This was the real situation of the cultivators at the bottom, only appearing easy for Hou Niao later, as he interacted with genius individuals, but that was just an illusion.

After the first, there was a second, then success followed success, mostly Sword Sect disciples. Other Daoist lineages seemed quite neglected, not because they didn't want to, but because the flying swords did not fancy them.

The others were not Sword Cultivators, lacking that life-and-death dedication to the flying sword, which was their greatest shortcoming, not something determined by Dao Realm, mana, or cultivation; it was just a frustrating impotence.

In this regard, the flying sword's Spiritual Sense had a strong sense of purity, which was why Hou Niao allowed other Daoist cultivators to participate in the sword granting openly; they couldn't take them away, so why not grant a favor?

If they truly took one away, it would mean they were a Sword Seed, with potential in this area, and there would be no worries about loyalty. In this respect, the flying sword was the best testing checkpoint, never making mistakes.

The cultivators on the Continent finally understood a truth, no pies fall from the sky, whether it be the Daoists' treasures or the flying swords of the Sword Sect.

The time for granting swords wasn't unlimited. After an hour, the flying sword group began to grow restless again; previously, their restlessness was for freedom, now they were eager to return to the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven;

Flying swords need nurturing, either kept in the master's Purple Mansion or returned to the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven, as their Spiritual Sense would diminish in such natural, open environments.

Master Xu retrieved the sword scabbard, pointed and gestured, and the remaining swords without masters quickly flew into it. Master Xu shook his body and left, without explanation.

This sword granting was much shorter than the Daoists' treasure demonstration. Success was achieved if possible, if not, then not, very much in the style of the Sword Sect.

Among over two hundred people, about a hundred were Sword Sect disciples, who took away more than thirty flying swords. This ratio was still good, and it's believed that with the spread of sword retrieval experiences in the future, reaching a success rate of half won't be a problem.

Only three Outer Path cultivators obtained flying swords, each unique, but having a passion for swords was essential. These individuals would not be difficult for the Sword Sect; taking away a flying sword was allowed, but learning the Sword Sect's Daoist inheritance was another matter, with many tests still to come.

Hou Niao returned to the front of the platform, "Thus, the bonding of treasures is determined. If there's any regret, another day will be arranged for further discussion. Everyone, shall the treasures be retrieved?"

Fifty-nine treasures were each retrieved, thus, this Treasure Connection meeting initiated by the Daoist Sect ended, outwardly each gained something, but internally much left to ponder.

About to continue with the next demonstration and remarks, a crucial part of cultivator gatherings, showcasing Daoist Methods, and assessing gaps.

But before Hou Niao standing on the platform could speak, a Nascent Soul Master from the observing crowd stood up, raising his voice:

"Sect Hierarch Hou, during this grand ceremony, it's inappropriate for the Wo Sect to exit halfway, but there's a situation in Linhai, it's urgent, so we must leave first. I hope the Sect Hierarch understands."

The Wo Sect of Linhai, a traditional ally of the Southwest Sword Sect, choosing to exit at this moment was very unusual, making Hou Niao suspect that the Daoist Sect might be plotting something again?

Leaving the ceremony early like this was very impolite, unless there were special circumstances, as no one wanted to offend the host.

"No problem, indeed everything prioritizes Linhai. Master Sun, is there anything you need help with? The Southwest Daoist lineages are one, feel free to bring forth any difficulties, and we can all discuss them together."

Master Sun hesitated slightly, ultimately deciding to speak honestly, as he couldn't be sure whether he needed help from the Southwest brethren; the Linhai Wo Sect was a small sect, with three masters, and two had come to the Dushan ceremony, leaving Linhai vulnerable.

"A letter reported unknown demon activities in the Outer Sea of Linhai, attacking passing trades, islands, and drawing closer to the Continent; this time it's excessive, Mirage City was attacked, with sightings of a Nascent Soul Sea Demon, which hasn't happened in the past millennia, thus..."

Hou Niao's heart stirred, they dared to land? This was an extremely dangerous sign!

Pirates landing occasionally happened, he had done it himself, but that was internal conflict within the human Cultivation World, different from this situation.

Master Sun bowed once again, "The report was vague, so I can only look at the specifics after returning. If needed, Linhai will rely on the help of fellow Daoists, most grateful."