Chapter 60: This Is Entirely a Matter of Skill (Seventh Update)

In the Realm of Snow Chant, every celestial sect typically constructs its own teleportation array. Simply put, a teleportation array is a means of manipulating the laws of space, achieving a speed that borders on instantaneous movement.

Of course, teleportation arrays do not transmit across infinite distances; the range depends on the array’s sophistication. The more advanced the array, the farther it can send someone. Moreover, teleportation is restricted by the necessity for a corresponding array at the destination. Without one, even the most advanced teleportation array cannot function.

Soon, Nalan Ruoshui appeared before a circular stone platform. The platform was about two meters in diameter and stood one meter tall, its surface carved with mysterious inscriptions. This circular stone platform was the teleportation array belonging to the Sacred Sword Sect.

She stepped onto the array.

A thunderous rumble echoed as the teleportation array began to spin. Overhead, dark clouds gathered, forming a pitch-black tunnel through space.

With a sudden roar, the array surged upward, carrying Nalan Ruoshui into the spatial passage. In the next instant, the array descended once more.

Nalan Ruoshui stepped off the array and surveyed her surroundings. “This is already the imperial teleportation station.”

Without delay, she strode quickly to the imperial gate and called out, “Nalan Ruoshui pays respects to the Holy Emperor!”

Soon, the unrivaled beauty of the age, Donggong Qianxue, appeared before her.

“My father is in seclusion. Nalan Ruoshui, why do you seek an audience?” Donggong Qianxue asked calmly, her gaze fixed on Nalan Ruoshui.

As the princess famed as the most beautiful woman in the entire Spring and Autumn Holy Nation, Donggong Qianxue possessed a beauty so ethereal it seemed unreal, leaving Nalan Ruoshui breathless. The noble aura emanating from her only deepened Nalan Ruoshui’s sense of humility.

“Greetings, Princess. The Southern Domain Prince has gone mad. Under the guise of a celebration, he used the Heaven-Slaying Sword Array to slaughter countless powerful figures from various factions. His ambition knows no bounds. It won’t be long before he brings the Sword Array directly to attack the imperial court.”

“What did you say?” Donggong Qianxue’s delicate frame trembled, and fury flashed in her eyes. “He borrowed the Sword Array from the imperial court and now abuses it, even plotting to use it against us! Where is that scoundrel now?”

“He is on his way to Clearwater Town, intending to kill Young Master Chen.”

“And who is Young Master Chen?”

“I have never met him, but he is rumored to be a sage with extraordinary abilities,” Nalan Ruoshui replied, shaking her head. “Princess, please report this to the Holy Emperor at once. You must go to Clearwater Town, reclaim the Sword Array, and stop the Southern Domain Prince from killing Young Master Chen.”

Although she had never met Young Master Chen, Nalan Ruoshui revered him deeply. Should he fall to Bing Changtian and the Heaven-Slaying Sword Array, it would be a tragic loss.

“My father…” Donggong Qianxue’s expression grew bitter. “When he lent the Sword Array to that scoundrel, the sword’s intent wounded him during its activation. He is now in seclusion, recovering from his injuries.”

Nalan Ruoshui was silent.

“Come, I will accompany you to Clearwater Town,” Donggong Qianxue decided decisively, beckoning Nalan Ruoshui to follow.

…

Outside the gates of Clearwater Town.

Bing Changtian descended from the sky and entered the town.

“Madam, I’ve heard that a remarkable figure named Young Master Chen resides here. I’ve come to pay my respects,” Bing Changtian said, wearing a kindly smile as he addressed a vegetable vendor.

“Remarkable figure? Young Master Chen is just an ordinary man,” the woman replied, shaking her head. “But he’s a good person, often coming down from the mountain to help us with work, never asking for payment.”

Young Master Chen, an ordinary man?

Bing Changtian was momentarily perplexed. Had he been misled by rumors? He decided to see for himself.

With that, Bing Changtian smiled politely. “It seems the rumors were mistaken. But since I’m here, I can’t leave empty-handed. Madam, would you introduce me to Young Master Chen?”

“Dog Egg, this gentleman wishes to meet Young Master Chen. Help him find the way,” the vegetable vendor called out.

A boy of about seven or eight years came running.

Soon, Dog Egg led Bing Changtian to the foot of the mountain where Chen Changsheng lived in seclusion. “Young Master Chen lives up there. You can go yourself.”

“Thank you, Dog Egg.” Bing Changtian patted the boy’s head, then looked up the mountain and began to climb.

“What dense spiritual energy!” As he neared Chen Changsheng’s residence, the thick, almost palpable aura of spiritual energy sent Bing Changtian into a frenzy. “There’s no mistake—this must be the place where the man who painted the picture that sealed the Demon Emperor resides. Such a blessed land could only be found by a sage.”

He greedily inhaled the spiritual energy and hurried forward, his eyes flickering with a mix of malice and fanaticism.

After a moment, he saw an old wooden hut in his line of sight.

“Young Master Chen, I’ve finally found you,” Bing Changtian said, his voice sinister.

Then, he unleashed the Heaven-Slaying Sword Array.

An enormous, ancient stone sword shot upward, looming over the hut.

A low hum rang out as the stone sword trembled, releasing thousands of golden sword rays that slowly descended.

“Ha! Young Master Chen, a guest has come from afar—won’t you come out to greet me?” Bing Changtian laughed loudly.

“Who’s there?” came a voice from inside the hut.

Moments later, Chen Changsheng emerged, holding Chen Die’er’s hand.

“Oh, this stone sword emits golden sword rays—it must be an immortal artifact,” Chen Changsheng said, looking up at the massive stone sword in the sky, blinking in amazement. “No wonder it’s an immortal artifact—it certainly looks impressive.”

Chen Die’er imitated her father, also gazing up at the huge sword in the sky. “It does look impressive, but Daddy, this immortal artifact looks a bit ugly.”

“How is it ugly? I think it looks fine.”

“It’s too big. Daddy, why did they make this ancient sword so huge?”

“It’s more imposing that way.”

“And what’s the use of looking imposing?” Chen Die’er’s mind was forever filled with endless questions.

Chen Changsheng frowned slightly. “Die’er, your habit of probing every detail hasn’t changed.”

Chen Die’er paused, then puffed out her chest and said earnestly, “Daddy, Die’er will definitely change!”

But before long, she asked again, “Daddy, why does this stone sword have an ancient aura?”

“Because it’s been around for a very long time.”

“Daddy, why is the surface of the stone sword so rough?”

“That’s entirely a matter of craftsmanship.”

“…”

“…”

A new round of ten thousand questions had begun once again.