Ling Tian Sword God

Just then, a middle-aged man in linen suddenly emerged from the crowd. This man was unremarkable in appearance, but his strikes were incredibly sharp. Just as Zhu Hong seemed on the verge of death at Wei Tao's hands, this man intervened and saved him.

BANG!

After they exchanged a palm strike, Wei Tao was sent flying, spurting a mouthful of blood in mid-air.

"What?"

Everyone on the boat was astonished, staring in shock at the linen-clad middle-aged man. His strength was incredible; after all, even Zhu Hong had been utterly defeated by Wei Tao. Yet Wei Tao couldn't withstand a single palm strike from this man?

"Who are you?"

Wei Tao climbed up from the ground, his face filled with terror as he looked at the linen-clad middle-aged man. This man's True Qi was incomparably potent, probably several times greater than his own. He realized he was no match for him at all.

"Scram, if you value your pathetic life," the linen-clad middle-aged man's somewhat hoarse voice rang out.

Not daring to linger, Wei Tao quickly turned, leaped into the river, and fled rapidly without a backward glance.

"Thank you, Senior, for saving our lives!" Zhu Hong and the others immediately cupped their fists in salute to the linen-clad middle-aged man, gratitude etched on their faces.

"There's no need for such formalities. I was merely passing by," the linen-clad middle-aged man said, waving his hand dismissively, his tone indifferent.

"May I be so bold as to ask for your esteemed name, Senior?" Zhu Hong asked cautiously.

"He's a senior from the Iron Palm Sect." Before the linen-clad middle-aged man could speak, a Jianghu martial artist nearby seemed to recognize him.

Iron Palm Sect? Ling Chen was also taken aback. He had heard a little about the Iron Palm Sect; they were said to be Jianghu experts specializing in palm techniques, with their own distinct style of martial arts, famous far and wide. He hadn't expected the man himself to be so unremarkable in appearance.

"So it's the renowned Iron Palm Sect! No wonder he could repel Wei Tao with a single palm strike."

"The Iron Palm Sect saves people without seeking recognition. Truly a man of chivalry, worthy of admiration!"

The other Jianghu martial artists and merchant passengers on the boat all cupped their fists and expressed their thanks to the linen-clad middle-aged man.

"To draw one's sword against injustice, to rescue the imperiled and aid the distressed—this is the very foundation of chivalry. This is what the Iron Palm Sect does," the Iron Palm Sect man said indifferently.

Hearing this, Ling Chen was slightly surprised. The Iron Palm Sect man's words resonated deeply with him. Helping those in peril and aiding the oppressed—this was the fundamental duty of those on the Righteous Path in Jianghu. Yet, in these times of declining morality, everyone's eyes were fixed on benefits and rewards. People capable of such selflessness were few and far between; individuals like this Iron Palm Sect man were truly rare.

At this thought, a sense of respect for the Iron Palm Sect man before him grew within Ling Chen.

Although Ling Chen's Cultivation was advancing by leaps and bounds, his principles remained unchanged, and he intended to adhere to them always.

"Disembark, everyone, disembark! We're changing routes! Head to the opposite bank to board another vessel!"

Just then, the voice of the Dragon Bone boat's owner suddenly rang out.

"Why do we need to go to the opposite bank?" Ling Chen was somewhat surprised. Why the sudden, unprompted change of course? His gaze fell upon the river ahead, where an incredibly sharp aura was faintly emanating. This aura surged towards the sky, occasionally stirring vortices on the river's surface.

"Ahead lies Broken Sword Bay," the voice of the Iron Palm Sect man came from the front. "That place is not to be trifled with. It's best we steer clear."

"Why?" Ling Chen was somewhat puzzled. It's just a riverbend. Even if it's a bit strange, it surely can't be so formidable as to force us to change our route, can it?

"It is said," the Iron Palm Sect man continued, "that this place was once where a peerless expert known as the Celestial Wind Swordsman met his end. He was tormented by love; his wife of many years had an affair. Eventually, he killed both his wife and her lover. Afterward, the Celestial Wind Swordsman broke his cherished sword, cast it into the river, and then took his own life upon the water."

"Hundreds of years have passed. The Celestial Wind Swordsman is now a figure of legend and history, yet this riverbend remains suffused with a potent aura. No one below the Sky Apex Realm can approach Broken Sword Bay."

"I see." Ling Chen nodded, a trace of curiosity about this Celestial Wind Swordsman sparking within him. Just how powerful must this person have been to create such a spectacle even after his death?

It truly felt like 'live as a swordsman, and even in death, be a hero among spirits.'

Suddenly, without warning, a terrifyingly sharp aura swept over from Broken Sword Bay, enveloping the Dragon Bone boat.

SWISH!

Under this aura, everyone's face paled, and they couldn't help but stumble back a few steps.

Surprisingly, Ling Chen fared worse than those Jianghu guests who only had a rudimentary knowledge of martial arts. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, which splattered onto the deck.

"Young man, be careful! I told you, Broken Sword Bay is extraordinary," the Iron Palm Sect man, seeing Ling Chen injured, quickly reminded him, assuming it was due to Ling Chen's insufficient Cultivation.

This is Sword Intent! And it's probably at least Grandmaster Level!

When the sharp aura had swept over, Ling Chen instantly recognized it as Sword Intent. After all, he himself possessed Sword Intent that was nearing the minor accomplishment stage, so he understood it far better than the others. It was precisely because of this that when his Sword Intent came into contact with the residual Sword Intent of the Celestial Wind Swordsman, it shattered instantly, causing him to vomit blood.

This Sword Intent contained the Celestial Wind Swordsman's killing intent and fury. The stronger one's own Sword Intent, and the more advanced one was on the Sword Way, the more intensely they would be targeted by such a force.

That Celestial Wind Swordsman was truly a terrifying figure. This vortex... it's surely not without reason. There must be some profound secret hidden within.

A look of lingering fear crossed Ling Chen's face. That single moment had made him understand the true terror of Broken Sword Bay. Without sufficient strength, to enter rashly would undoubtedly mean death.

I'll probably have to wait until I'm much stronger in the future before I can return here and explore what lies beneath Broken Sword Bay.

With these thoughts in mind, Ling Chen, along with the Iron Palm Sect man and the others, transferred to a different boat and continued their journey toward the City of Ze.

「Two days later, the merchant ship successfully arrived at the City of Ze.」

After disembarking, Ling Chen bid farewell to the Iron Palm Sect man and the others and made his way to the largest tavern in the city.

"Shopkeeper, a pot of your finest new tea," Ling Chen beckoned to the Shopkeeper.

"Right away, sir! Please wait a moment," the Shopkeeper replied with a beaming smile. Soon, a teapot was brought over.

Taking a sip of tea, Ling Chen decided to stay in the City of Ze for a few days before continuing his journey north.

Just then, he overheard a discussion from a nearby table, where several royal nobles were seated.

"Have you heard? The Mini Swordsmanship Assembly, hosted by the Aqua Country royal family, is scheduled for tonight. It's said that young talents from all over the Aqua Country, and even some from other nations, will be attending. It's bound to be a gathering of geniuses!"

"Is that so? Then this is a fantastic opportunity to make a name for oneself! Even if one doesn't rank, just witnessing the prowess of these talented experts would be a fortunate experience."

"It won't be easy. The Mini Swordsmanship Assembly is very strict. Though we are of noble status, without a Swordsmanship Token, I fear we won't even be able to get through the gates."

The young royal nobles shook their heads and sighed, their faces etched with regret.

Mini Swordsmanship Assembly? Ling Chen's expression tensed slightly. Since I've happened upon such a grand event, I might as well participate, exchange pointers, and improve myself.