Chapter 448: Bow Down

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Forgive me for not being able to accede to that request!” Qu Qingsheng’s expression was solemn.

If even the ancestral master’s sword and spiritual faith could be abandoned, then in the future, when Qiu Changtai returned to the Primordial Sword Sect and made any demands, the Primordial Sword Sect would probably comply.

Qiu Changtai seemed to make a small request today, but it was just the beginning. His ultimate goal was to exploit the entire Primordial Sword Sect at will.

People were like this, they got used to things, and then they became numb. Maybe there would be anger at the moment, but as long as they endured and convinced themselves a little, things could pass.

As long as heads didn’t roll immediately, it seemed that everything could be negotiated, agreed upon, and given.

Qu Qingsheng had been the head of the Primordial Sword Sect for so many years, how could he not understand such things?

If he accepted Qiu Changtai’s request today, the Primordial Sword Sect would truly be in jeopardy, becoming a tool for Qiu Changtai to arbitrarily exploit, and this was almost an inevitable outcome.

The Primordial Sword Sect would be truly ruined!

“People must know how to assess the situation, and a sect even more so.”

Qiu Changtai looked at Qu Qingsheng’s expression and smiled softly, saying, “If you expect the Thousand Feathers Alliance to shelter you, then you might be disappointed.”

Qu Qingsheng didn’t say anything. He naturally knew that in disputes among the various forces within the alliance, the Thousand Feathers Alliance would not get too involved.

“Where there are people, there will inevitably be disputes. Amongst factions, it’s even more so.

Within the Thousand Feathers Alliance, with so many factions, as long as it doesn’t escalate to the extent of annihilating a sect, the Thousand Feathers Alliance will hardly intervene. Of course, if it’s outside the alliance and someone comes to bully, that’s a different matter.

Qiu Changtai has spent many years in the Thousand Feathers Alliance, so he naturally understands these internal rules very clearly. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have just walked right in after figuring out the strengths of the Primordial Sword Sect and the Sunken Water Pavilion.

In Qiu Changtai’s mind, he had long considered the Primordial Sword Sect and the Sunken Water Pavilion as his playthings, something he could manipulate as he pleased.

In his true intentions, Qiu Changtai didn’t want to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs, to exterminate both sects completely. After all, in his view, these two sects could still provide him with plenty of resources in the future.

If he wiped out everyone, then even if he took over these two sects, it wouldn’t mean much.

How to subjugate a sect, make them dare not speak out and obediently follow his orders – this was something Qiu Changtai had become extremely proficient at.

Seeing Qu Qingsheng’s lack of response, the smile gradually faded from Qiu Changtai’s face, and his expression turned grim.

For factions that were unwilling to comply, Qiu Changtai naturally had methods to deal with them. The simplest one was to strike them hard, to make them realize the reality of the situation.

Stubborn factions – Qiu Changtai had encountered plenty, and after giving them a good beating, they naturally understood how things should be done!” “Is this the expression you all have when you intend to make a move?”

Lou Sanfeng looked at Qu Qingsheng, then glanced at the others, sneering.

Qiu Changtai didn’t say anything, but the aura of a Pinnacle Aperture Tempering realm cultivator had already filled the hall. The hearts of everyone in the hall couldn’t help but sink, as if there was a sharp sword pointing at their eyeballs right now.

That visible threat made their nerves instantly tense.

The power of the Pinnacle Aperture Tempering realm, both the Primordial Sword Sect and the Sunken Water Pavilion understood very clearly. Back in Immortal Cloud City, they had witnessed the Pinnacle Aperture Tempering realm cultivators of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect make their moves more than once.

Because of this understanding, they also knew just how great the crisis they were facing at this moment truly was.

Although they were both in the Aperture Tempering realm, their strengths were simply not on the same level.

Martial cultivation worked this way, step by step, and each step was enough to see more scenery and increase one’s strength significantly.

“We have no intention of being your enemies,” Qu Qingsheng shook his head.

“But you are making things difficult for us right now,” Lou Sanfeng squinted her eyes.

“You have misunderstood,” Qu Qingsheng said softly.

Lou Sanfeng waved her hand, interrupting Qu Qingsheng, and said, “It’s just a sword that neither of you is willing to give up. We didn’t originally intend for bloodshed today, but if you have this attitude, then we might have to reconsider!”

Qu Qingsheng remained silent, not saying a word. Zhou Zixuan and Ji Ruiqing did the same because this was their bottom line, and once it was crossed, there would be no more bottom line left.

“Have you considered it carefully?” Qiu Changtai looked around. Aside from one or two individuals with uncertain expressions, the rest appeared resolute, which surprised him somewhat.

These two sects that had been brought into the Thousand Feathers Alliance from outside were a bit unexpected. However, it was only a minor surprise. Under the might of thunderous methods, everything could be set right.

Qiu Changtai was actually looking forward to injuring or even killing a few people later. Only then would these individuals truly be frightened and eventually submit!

“I kindly request you to change your demand,” Qu Qingsheng said firmly, making his intention very clear.

“Hahaha, alright, since you’re so determined, then don’t blame me.”

Qiu Changtai burst into hearty laughter, and the resounding sound echoed throughout the hall. Those in the early Aperture Tempering realm cultivators couldn’t help but show a painful expression on their faces.

The laughter seemed like a bewitching melody, resonating in their minds, making their thoughts as fragile as a lone boat in a turbulent sea, constantly on the brink of capsizing.

The nerves of Qu Qingsheng and the other two instantly tightened, and they watched Qiu Changtai with caution.

“Let my husband take action; it’s somewhat unfair to bully you like this. To make you truly acknowledge defeat, let me spar with you for a few moves.”

Lou Sanfeng’s figure swayed as she appeared before Qu Qingsheng and the others, and the aura of an advanced Aperture Tempering realm cultivator suddenly surged.

Compared to Qiu Changtai, Lou Sanfeng’s aura was undoubtedly weaker, but in the advanced Aperture Tempering realm, Lou Sanfeng was unquestionably one of the top figures.

The number of apertures opened upwards, this kind of cultivation method, in the advanced Aperture Tempering realm, was already at the very top level.

As for rogue cultivators, they rarely had the opportunity to come into contact with such techniques. Many small sects didn’t possess methods of this caliber, just like the earlier Primordial Sword Sect.

Even the current Sunken Water Pavilion, with its most powerful internal techniques, only had nearly a hundred apertures.

“Don’t say we didn’t give you a chance. If any of you can defeat my wife, then today’s matter will be considered over,” Qiu Changtai said casually, with his hands behind his back. Dealing with advanced Aperture Tempering realm cultivators was too easy for Qiu Changtai, not something that piqued his interest.

In Qiu Changtai’s eyes, with his wife Lou Sanfeng’s strength, defeating these individuals would be a piece of cake.

However, if these people remained stubborn at that point, Qiu Changtai would undoubtedly take drastic measures. He had already given them one chance, and if they didn’t appreciate it, there would be no need for them to remain alive.

Qu Qingsheng, Zhou Zixuan, and Ji Ruiqing exchanged glances, and Zhou Zixuan took a step forward, arriving in front of Lou Sanfeng.

“Zhou Zixuan of the Primordial Sword Sect, please instruct me!” Zhou Zixuan held a spiritual sword and spoke in a deep voice.

“Lou Sanfeng of the Xuanhe Palace, please!”

A dagger appeared in Lou Sanfeng’s hand, and her entire presence suddenly intensified, sharp and penetrating, leaving no room for evasion, no object uncut!

With a low shout, Zhou Zixuan’s slightly hunched back instantly straightened, and he stepped forward, arriving in front of Lou Sanfeng in an instant, striking with his sword.

One-way journey with no return, embracing death to find life, when Zhou Zixuan’s sword was unleashed, a tragic and heroic aura suddenly filled the surroundings. The disdain in Lou Sanfeng’s eyes diminished somewhat with Zhou Zixuan’s strike, but only slightly.

The Giant Spirit Sword, a technique that Zhou Zixuan had dedicated his entire life to cultivating. He had poured all his energy into this legacy. Initially, Zhou Zixuan even wanted to use the Giant Spirit Sword as a foundation to forge a new path. However, he fell short of his aspirations, failing in the end.

But his dedication and focus on the Giant Spirit Sword were unparalleled. Even Chen Fei, who had mastered the Giant Spirit Sword to its pinnacle, would likely find it hard to compare to Zhou Zixuan in terms of devotion.

Because of his focus, he had grown to love it, and because of his love, he had delved deep into its intricacies.

When Zhou Zixuan’s sword struck, it was as if a true Giant Spirit Celestial God stood behind him, infusing tremendous power into his body. Wherever the blade passed, the air was filled with countless ripples.

“Boom!”

The explosion resounded, and the formation within the main hall suddenly rose to block the shockwaves of the battle.

Lou Sanfeng held her dagger with one arm, parrying Zhou Zixuan’s attack. Her body remained motionless, and the mighty force imbued in the Giant Spirit Sword seemed to lose its luster before her.

A dagger, a weapon for close-quarters combat, usually had its strength diminished when used at a distance.

However, the dagger in Lou Sanfeng’s hand effortlessly withstood Zhou Zixuan’s attack.

Veins slowly bulged on Zhou Zixuan’s forehead, but no matter how hard he exerted himself, the blade in his hand couldn’t press down Lou Sanfeng’s dagger even a bit.

“Not a bad move, but it lacks a bit of depth,” Lou Sanfeng casually commented.

Zhou Zixuan remained silent, took a deep breath, and suddenly a black glow appeared on the blade. A force field emerged around him, pressing down on Lou Sanfeng’s body.

Zhongyuan Sword!

Ever since Chen Fei retrieved the first two levels of the Primordial Sword Scripture from the ancestral grounds of the Long Rainbow Sect, Zhou Zixuan had been diligently practicing.

Zhou Zixuan wasn’t seeking to push his own limits on the path of martial arts in the future. His previous attempt to break through the Combined Aperture Tempering realm with his advanced Aperture Tempering realm cultivation had already damaged his foundation.

Zhou Zixuan’s hard work in practicing the Primordial Sword Scripture and various legacies was solely for the sake of being able to step forward and protect the Primordial Sword Sect when it faced crises.

Born into the Primordial Sword Sect, Zhou Zixuan had vowed from a young age to stand by the sect through thick and thin. This was his determination, and he had been consistently acting upon it.

Over these past years, leveraging his advanced Aperture Tempering realm foundation, Zhou Zixuan had finally reached the pinnacle of Zhongyuan Sword. He had fused the Zhongyuan Sword into his core foundation, based on the Giant Spirit Sword.

As the Zhongyuan Sword was unleashed, a harsh grating sound echoed where Zhou Zixuan’s sword clashed with Lou Sanfeng’s dagger. Lou Sanfeng’s relaxed expression became slightly more serious..