Longevity Strange Immortal

Li Mo silently watched as the shadow puppets entered the main hall one after another.

He did not act recklessly, merely gazing from afar at the main hall of Juxin Temple, completely devoid of any intent to test the waters with cancer cells.

Even Luo Yang, who has reached the Void Refining Stage, never dared to tamper with the Sword Tomb.

The Great Sun Sword Tomb, able to contain tens of thousands of Sword Ghosts, demonstrates a delicate balance, where the slightest mistake could result in catastrophic loss of control.

Li Mo's sole aim was to uncover the secrets of celestial upheavals from Juxin Temple.

Unfortunately, his limited perspective brought him meager results.

More than eighty percent of the shadow puppets exited Juxin Temple the same way they came, scattering once again into the narrow streets and alleys, morphing into bizarre and unsettling murals on the walls.

"How did the Heavenly Sword Sect's Taoist inheritance evolve into something like this?"

Midnight passed.

The main hall emitted sounds of writhing flesh and bones in endless succession, and the ground trembled ever so slightly—until the first dawn rays appeared to bring it all to an abrupt halt.

Li Mo dared not slacken, methodically spreading cancer cells throughout every corner of Juxin Temple.

While he appeared to close his eyes for rest, Daoist Ye Zhuo became restless, spending nearly the entire latter half of the night wielding his Lifebound Flying Sword.

"Sigh…"

Daoist Ye Zhuo was evidently inexperienced in using a sword against enemies, each move marked by a half-breath of hesitation, relying on Fireworks Sword Intent to hold his ground.

His primary consideration was avoiding the use of Spiritual Power, forcing his Body and Soul to adapt to mortal swordsmanship.

It was a precautionary measure to ensure he wouldn't instinctively channel Spiritual Power during a sword duel.

Daoist Ye Zhuo hesitated before speaking: "Senior Taiyi, I understand your Taoist Body is innately gifted, but beware of mistakes—otherwise…"

Before he could finish his sentence, Li Mo flicked his right thumb and middle finger.

Bang.

A muffled sound echoed, and a tangible wind blade grazed Daoist Ye Zhuo's scalp, leaving a narrow crack in the wall of the woodshed.

"Ah."

Daoist Ye Zhuo smirked awkwardly, choosing to remain silent.

He suddenly realized that Li Mo stood before him—a prodigy whose talent and comprehension were leagues above his peers, someone who had, not long after joining the sect, grasped multiple Mid-level Sword Intents and whose physical strength was beyond the realm of imagination.

Worrying about Li Mo's safety seemed laughable; it would be better to mourn for the other Sword Cultivators involved.

Li Mo scrutinized Daoist Ye Zhuo with a sharp gaze, unreservedly pointing out his flaw: "How dare you lecture me? Ye Zhuo, your understanding of swordsmanship is riddled with vulnerabilities."

"Me?"

Daoist Ye Zhuo barely had time to object before Li Mo extended his arm and tapped his forehead.

A surge of information flooded his mind.

Li Mo ignored Daoist Ye Zhuo, waiting for the opening of the Teaching Daoist Temple.

To prevent Ye Zhuo from becoming a burden, he casually employed Sword Dao Divine Power to refine and improve the nameless swordsmanship Ye Zhuo had been practicing.

Of course, mortal sword techniques, no matter how refined, could never compare to magical techniques—Li Mo merely sought to reduce the vulnerabilities within them.

"Senior, I've spent three to four centuries in the Inner Sect at least; it won't…"

Daoist Ye Zhuo's pupils dilated; Li Mo's pointers elevated his swordsmanship by an entire level, even taking its integration with Fireworks Sword Intent into account.

The truly astonishing part was that Li Mo had only observed the movements once.

He not only comprehended the swordsmanship but also innovated upon it during idle moments—a level of brilliance beyond description.

"Damn it, absolutely insane,"

Daoist Ye Zhuo muttered a series of curses under his breath.

He was too beaten down to even feel discouraged—the disparity between them had reached an insurmountable chasm akin to heaven and earth.

"I… am humbled."

Daoist Ye Zhuo forced out four words before immersing himself in practicing the vaguely refined swordsmanship.

Fortunately, with the level of control over Body and Soul attained at the Divine Separation Stage, mastering a mere mortal sword technique quickly was feasible.

After finishing his eleventh-hour efforts, dawn broke in the sky; Sword Cultivators from the Purple Sun Palace began flying toward Juxin Temple.

Upward of forty or fifty cultivators moved, with roughly a dozen heading toward the main hall at Juxin Temple.

"It's about time, isn't it?" Daoist Ye Zhuo, eagerly planning to approach the main hall of Juxin Temple, realized that Li Mo remained seated cross-legged.

"Why the rush?"

Li Mo didn't open his eyes, relying on Da Ai Mi Tian to observe the Sword Cultivators.

Daoist Ye Zhuo furrowed his brows, ultimately sitting back on the woodpile.

He suspected that Luo Yang might have provided Li Mo with partial intel regarding Juxin Temple; otherwise, how could Li Mo confidently choose to wait it out?

"Being cautious isn't bad; anyway, it won't be hard for the two of us to obtain the inheritance."

Daoist Ye Zhuo leaned closer to the window, trying to discern the latest happenings in Juxin Temple.

Li Mo scanned the nearby Sword Cultivators approaching Juxin Temple—among them, three had already reached the Five Qi Period; they should have previous experience with Juxin Temple.

"The back of the skull is concave, with molten brain matter flowing out—do you recognize him?"

Daoist Ye Zhuo froze for a moment before answering cautiously: "Hmm, that seems like Daoist Bai Shuo; he comprehended Mid-level Sword Intent [Fire Burning]."

"He's in Juxin Temple?"

"Yes, just stepped into the temple from the eastern gate."

Li Mo curiously asked, "Cultivators at the Five Qi Period still come to Juxin Temple? At their stage, shouldn't they already be focusing on their primary Sword Dao techniques?"

"Not necessarily."

"The Taiyi True Immortal Sword Body Technique is a universally practiced Sword Dao Technique primarily aimed at refining a postnatal [Taiyi Sword Body], granting some resistance against the erosion of Sword Intent."

Taiyi Sword Body emphasizes moderation and harmony, compatible with most Taoist Bodies, making it a common secondary choice for Sword Cultivators.

Daoist Ye Zhuo wisely refrained from probing into Li Mo's methods of monitoring the outside world.

"It might be another Sword Dao inheritance."

He cautiously added, "Elder Wuxin dabbles in several spells, though each spell involves a corresponding taboo."

"For Taiyi True Immortal Sword Body Technique, the only requirement is to endure a three-hour sword duel; the drawbacks of other inheritances remain unknown."

Li Mo stood up, his gaze fixed on the northern gate. "Shoulder blades protruding outward, a stature over three meters, coarse joints…"

"From Fire Room, also Five Qi Period, Sword Intent remains unknown."

"And another figure—eyes bulging outward, their tears resembling tar."

Daoist Ye Zhuo stiffened, urgently speaking: "Xu Guang, the one who tested your sword earlier; but, senior, don't act rashly."

"Relax; I'm more curious about why so many at the Five Qi Period are gathering at Juxin Temple."

Li Mo was not averse to striking mercilessly, yet focusing on the Taoist Skill inheritance was his priority—his current strength wasn't sufficient for unfettered actions.

"They may have already figured out solutions to overcome other taboos."

Li Mo silently nodded.

The two discussed ways to acquire the inheritance, preparing for an opportunity to ambush if necessary.

More and more Sword Cultivators converged at Juxin Temple, soon exceeding twenty individuals. They kept their distance, cautiously remaining on the outer perimeter.

Suddenly, the vibrations intensified further.

Heat waves surged from the main hall of Juxin Temple; a burst of energy flung the doors and windows wide open, scattering countless strands of Yang Attribute Sword Qi.

Daoist Ye Zhuo licked his lips, laughing sinisterly: "Haha, Elder Wu Xin is here."

Li Mo gazed upward.

Hundred-meter-long, emaciated arms burst from the windows and doors of the main hall; the colossal figure tore through the walls, exuding a palpable pressure.

The arms resembled sword blades, while its face was positioned on its back—a visage of utter monstrosity.

What drew Li Mo's attention most was the arms near Elder Wu Xin's head, clutching a pile of brilliantly colored human brains.

Information from the Creation Book about Elder Wu Xin unfurled in Li Mo's mind.

Elder Wu Xin had diligently served the Heavenly Sword Sect during his lifetime, succumbing to the depletion of his Nascent Soul; his last memory was an anguished utterance.

Li Mo couldn't help murmuring under his breath, synchronizing with Elder Wu Xin's voice.

The words were identical.

"One who seeks longevity must first avoid it!"

The phrase originated from the Supreme Sensing Chapter, which contained warnings for cultivation.

The emotions embedded in the statements differed starkly—Elder Wu Xin retained the despair he bore eight thousand years ago; Li Mo expressed resolute curiosity in unearthing the truth.

Bang.

The main hall collapsed into ruins; Elder Wu Xin sprawled over the open ground of Juxin Temple, his facial arms hoisting engorged brains, releasing torrents of Sword Qi into the heavens.

Even without directly facing Elder Wu Xin, Li Mo felt an overwhelming sense of bitterness.

"What unimaginable despair did they experience during the celestial upheavals to end up as deceitful objects while preserving their spiritual wisdom?"

Li Mo retrieved the Bone Scroll gifted by Luo Yang, comparing it to the brains Elder Wu Xin wielded.

Predictably, the brains were cultivated from the shadows Elder Wu Xin consumed, each containing numerous Sword Dao inheritances.

The Bone Scroll was a later imitation of those brains.

Sword Cultivators gradually edged closer to the main hall; even the Sword Ghosts within Juxin Temple began to congregate, forming an assembly akin to mortals knocking on the Immortal Gate ten thousand years ago.

Elder Wu Xin alternated between laughter and tears, furiously smashing his head against the ground.

His Yang Attribute Sword Intent flooded outward; without exception, the Sword Ghosts knelt, accepting the baptism of Sword Intent, reciting verses from the Supreme Sensing Chapter.

Li Mo's heart thudded wildly.

Moments later, the Sword Ghosts stood once more, their attention shifting to the sudden arrival of Xu Guang and others.

Li Mo noticed the Sword Ghosts fixating on the Sword Cultivators; with Elder Wu Xin's mind addled, it was the perfect opportunity for covert action.

"Let's move."

Li Mo unsheathed the Illusion Fish Sword; the radiant sword light flashed briefly, splitting the woodshed in two with unnervingly smooth edges.

His eyes betrayed a glint of contemplation.

After absorbing memories from numerous ancient Sword Cultivators, his Sword Dao Divine Power had quietly accumulated, now explosively advancing.

"Bright Day Sword Intent—is it showing signs of transformation again?"

Li Mo did not suppress it but actively guided his mental realm to align.

For now, he contained the Sword Intent within a half-meter radius around him.

Daoist Ye Zhuo felt his scalp tingle, his hairs standing upright.

From a distance, Li Mo's back resembled that of a Void Refining Stage Sword Cultivator, far from the appearance of someone who had just entered the sect—a grotesque reminder that sent shivers down Ye Zhuo's spine.

The two proceeded one behind the other.

Daoist Ye Zhuo's face contorted in fear; Li Mo's Sword Intent escalated to an alarming degree, seamlessly transitioning between different Yang Attribute Sword Intents, achieving harmonious integration.

Wherever they passed, the grass and wood alongside the road turned to ash.

With each step, the Sword Intent intensified, continually brewing.

Acting as the Sun Star's right eye, it faintly resonated with the Bright Day Sword Intent.

Veins bulged on Li Mo's forehead; an inexplicable urge grew in his chest. The Sunshine Treasure Bottle belonging to his Sunlight Dharma Body trembled incessantly.

Even Daoist Ye Zhuo's Lifebound Flying Sword quivered.

A sideways glance revealed Li Mo's tightly shut right eye, its slit emitting faint rays of light.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, just a breakthrough in Sword Intent."

Li Mo's overflowing Sword Intent subsided, though his right eye continued to flicker with faint luminescence.

"Huh?"

Daoist Ye Zhuo gaped; he stood there dumbfounded for a long moment before snapping out of it.

Li Mo remained focused on Elder Wu Xin, his steps unyielding.

For some reason, an impulse surged inside him—a desire to let Elder Wu Xin bear witness to what might soon become his Superior Sword Intent.