As Gong Huacang's voice faded, Song Pingle's expression shifted drastically.
The change at the top of the disciple ranking was undoubtedly a recent event. Song Pingle had already emerged from his trial, so it couldn't have been himself. The only one still undergoing trials was Li Xuan!
"How is this possible!" Song Pingle blurted out, but quickly fell silent, daring not to say more. After all, Gong Huacang, the Grand Elder of the Sword Sect, had made the pronouncement, and he wouldn't be mistaken.
Questioning the Grand Elder's authority was an act of foolishness.
*Hum.*
At that moment, with a resonant hum, a golden, shimmering name flashed at the peak of the stone pillar.
Li Xuan!
Seeing this, Song Pingle collapsed onto the ground. It wasn't shock that felled him, but rather the realization that Li Xuan, whom he had previously harbored dissatisfaction towards and even considered a latecomer to the Sword Sect, was such a terrifying existence.
Simultaneously, in a mountain abode within the Sword Sect, a figure suddenly opened his eyes.
"Someone actually surpassed my ranking. Interesting," the man muttered, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes before he vanished from his spot.
Not only that, but many outstanding disciples within the Sword Sect also opened their eyes at the same time. In the blink of an eye, countless sword lights flickered and streaked towards the mountain peak where the new disciple ranking was displayed.
"Grand Elder, who has refreshed the top spot?" Jian Nancang and others also arrived at the scene. Jian Nancang glanced at Gong Huacang and the disciples who were gathering around, then inquired. However, in Jian Nancang's heart, the answer was already known.
Upon hearing this, Gong Huacang bowed and replied, "Li Xuan is currently still in his trial. This top spot should have been claimed by him. As for why he hasn't emerged yet, I am not entirely clear."
Jian Nancang's gaze shifted, and he said, "It is rumored that the trials of the three peaks each contain a sliver of the Ancestor's true spirit. If one can gain its recognition, they will naturally receive some of the Ancestor's true teachings. From what we see now, it seems the rumors are true."
A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of Gong Huacang and the others. The Ancestor was not comparable to mere predecessors; he was the legendary figure who founded the Sword Sect. A sliver of true spirit left by such a person would yield immense benefits.
For a moment, envy spread across everyone's faces.
"This young fellow has truly given this old man a great surprise," Jian Nancang said, his heart also filled with excitement. Such a disciple was indeed rare.
*Hum.*
At that very moment, with a resonant hum, Li Xuan's figure slowly appeared.
"Greetings, Master, esteemed Elders." Li Xuan's eyes fell upon the crowd that had gathered around. Though slightly surprised, he still bowed to Jian Nancang and the others.
"Li Xuan, what transpired during your trial?" Deputy Sect Master Jian Kaicheng asked directly.
Li Xuan paused for a moment, then, without concealment, recounted his experiences. Of course, he did not mention anything about his Sword Body.
"It appears to be indeed the Ancestor's true spirit. Heaven blesses our Sword Sect," Jian Kaicheng and Jian Hongda exchanged glances and then nodded slowly.
Li Xuan's acceptance by the Ancestor and receiving the blessing of the true spirit was a strong signal of the Sword Sect's rise. Propagating the Sword Sect was undoubtedly the highest mission and honor for Jian Nancang and the others.
"Just who is this Li Xuan?" A man standing beside Song Pingle murmured dazedly.
Song Pingle's expression turned somewhat grim. However, upon seeing Jian Nancang and the others, he gave a self-deprecating wry smile. Such figures would likely leave him further and further behind in the coming days.
"Alright, everyone, you may disperse," Jian Nancang said with unconcealed joy, waving his hand at the disciples.
"Grand Elder, please escort them away." As the disciples departed, Jian Nancang's gaze shifted to Gong Huacang.
"Very well." Gong Huacang nodded and then led Song Pingle and the others away.
"Li Xuan, follow your master," Jian Nancang said, his gaze turning to Li Xuan. He then nodded to Jian Kaicheng and the others before turning to leave.
"This time, the Sect Master has truly struck gold," Jian Kaicheng said with a wry smile as Jian Nancang departed with Li Xuan.
"Rather than the Sect Master striking gold, it is our Sword Sect that has. I was somewhat resistant to this 'person of destiny' initially, as destiny is not within our control. However, it now seems that Li Xuan is exceptionally suited for our Sword Sect," Jian Hongda chuckled.
"With Li Xuan obtaining the Ancestor's true spirit from the new disciple ranking, do you think he might also obtain the true spirits from the Elite Ranking and the Prodigy Ranking?" Jian Kaicheng's gaze flickered towards the other two mountain peaks.
Jian Hongda pondered for a moment before smiling, "If Li Xuan does obtain them, it will be his good fortune. However, at present, this young man seems highly suited to participate in the competition against the Martial Academy."
"You mentioning that reminds me, the competition between the Martial Academy and our Sword Sect is less than a year away. With the Sect Master taking Li Xuan to cultivate him meticulously, we might even be in for a grand spectacle," Jian Kaicheng nodded, his eyes lighting up.
Jian Hongda nodded, his expression a mixture of complexity. "When destiny arrives, heroes emerge. This world is about to witness another battle for the sons of heaven. For us old folks, it's time to bow out."
Jian Kaicheng sighed with a similarly complex expression. "The waves behind the river push the waves before. Let us watch their brilliant performances."
Sword Sect, rear mountain.
"Li Xuan, starting tomorrow, you shall cultivate here," Jian Nancang said, pointing to a cave dwelling ahead.
Li Xuan looked at the cave dwelling with surprise. He was genuinely curious. At Jian Nancang's status, he spoke of this place with such reverence.
"This is where the Ancestor entered seclusion. Only our successive Sect Masters have had the privilege to cultivate here. Your talent is exceptional, and your swordsmanship has already charted its own course. There is not much this master can teach you; all I can do is provide the conditions."
Jian Nancang paused and continued, "Do not underestimate this cave dwelling. It is rumored to contain a set of swordsmanship left by the Ancestor. If you can comprehend it, it will be a significant improvement for you."
"Disciple understands." Li Xuan finally understood and bowed respectfully in response.
Jian Nancang smiled faintly. "There is less than a year until the competition between our Sword Sect and the Martial Academy. I hope you will give this master a surprise then. For now, familiarize yourself with the environment."
"Alright." Li Xuan blinked. He knew of the Martial Academy; it was a dominant force on Jade Nest Island, on par with the Sword Sect.
"Never mind, I'll think about it later." As Jian Nancang departed, Li Xuan withdrew his thoughts, shook his head, and entered the cave dwelling.
"Damn, such a sharp sword intent!"