This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

Chapter 143 The Sword is Covered in Dust

"You actually condensed a battle sword?" A surprised exclamation suddenly rang out, as if a thunderclap had exploded overhead.

The mysterious Origin Runes that had been shimmering above his head suddenly plummeted like meteors, landing directly on Xiao Xingchen.

A mysterious aura surged into his body like a tide, eventually converging in his spiritual space.

Gazing at the now sealed demonic fetus, a phantom figure slowly emerged.

The figure seemed to be formed from water droplets, appearing and disappearing in front of him, elusive and uncertain.

Aside from feeling that piercing gaze, his body seemed to have form but no substance, as if it would dissipate with a gust of wind.

"Greetings, senior. Have you made any discoveries? I have many questions and hope you can enlighten me."

Xiao Xingchen bowed respectfully, already understanding in his heart that there must be a big shot behind this hill.

What he is experiencing now may be a rare opportunity for him.

"I know what you're going to ask, but my knowledge is limited."

The voice of the illusory figure was as calm as autumn water, yet it struck Xiao Xingchen's heart like a heavy hammer.

Xiao Xingchen waited expectantly for the next part, like a fledgling bird eagerly awaiting nourishment from knowledge.

"Well, well, well, forcing things to grow like this is not a good idea. Well, it's time to tell you some things, so you don't cause any trouble in the future. First, let me tell you about this sacrifice."

Xiao Xingchen's expression was solemn. He bowed deeply as if facing a formidable enemy and said solemnly, "Thank you, senior. I am now like someone who is blind. Everything that has happened is beyond my imagination. I urgently need information and desperately want to know what kind of magic you have cast on me. In the darkness, I have a feeling that there is an invisible hand controlling my destiny."

The illusory figure nodded slightly, and with a gentle lift of his hand, the black sacrificial power appeared in his palm like a wild horse, instantly transforming into a small black dragon, baring its fangs and claws, charging wildly.

"Alright, let's start with this ritual. This thing is like a ghost, mysterious and unpredictable, and involves an extremely terrifying figure. You must remember to stay away from everything related to the ritual. I will seal this little dragon within your demonic womb, and you must never try to use its power. The terrifying thing about the ritual is that once you are tainted by it, it will be like a bone-deep infection, binding you for all eternity."

Is the sacrifice related to Houtu (the Earth Goddess)?

Without hesitation, Xiao Xingchen blurted out his guess, and then saw the illusory figure startled and somewhat frightened.

"Shh, never mention that name again. The Heavenly Emperor and the Earthly Queen are very secretive. Even if you just mention their names lightly, it will attract attention. The consequences of attracting their attention are unimaginable. Remember, never touch these names, never mention them."

This made Xiao Xingchen's mood even heavier. Whether it was Daji or the illusory figure in front of him, they had both reached the pinnacle of their abilities, but in the face of the four words "Heaven and Earth," they were still silent and even turned pale at the mention of them. This made him pay more and more attention to these four words.

"Alright, I won't bring it up again. But could you tell me, senior, where does the power of the ritual originate? Why are their methods so strange and unpredictable?"

This time, the senior did not hide anything and explained frankly.

"Sacrifice, this power, in its essence, is a stolen power. Sacrifices to heaven, earth, ghosts, and even anything that can be sacrificed. During the process of sacrifice, a certain key word will be triggered, and this word is the stolen sacrifice. It is usually an ability, and it is unique, just like the black dragon of the sacrificial path on your body. The person who planted this dragon in you will possess their own exclusive sacrifice. Only they can use this kind of sacrifice."

"Do you understand what I mean? Sacrifice is a unique power. As long as it is called sacrifice, it means that this power must be mysterious and unpredictable, enough to directly threaten the Nine Heavens. Therefore, the Nine Heavens strictly prohibit the power of sacrifice. Once it is discovered, it will be besieged and eradicated by the whole nation. Over time, sacrifice has become a taboo."

"Senior, in your opinion, what kind of priests possess the ability to perform sacrifices? And which organizations would have such an ability?"

"I once heard that the most common way to trigger the key words of a sacrifice is through human sacrifice. It is easier to trigger it by using the painful cries of the sacrificed object during its life. Just like the black dragon sacrifice on your body, this person is truly extraordinary. The key words he obtained from the sacrifice should be something like movement techniques. If you can understand that word, you will be qualified to use this sacrifice."

"However, everything in this world is fair. Since the power of sacrifice is so strange, then correspondingly, this person will also pay a certain price, which may be high or low, sometimes freedom, sometimes life. Do you understand what I mean?"

Xiao Xingchen nodded. His doubts about the sacrifice had been gradually filled in and resolved through his experiences over the past few days.

The Black-Robed Priest was a genuine priest, while the Immortal Pavilion was at best a half-baked one.

That's why the man in black robes showed such disdain when he mentioned the Immortal Pavilion.

Thinking of the black robe, he asked again, "Senior, are you aware of an organization that possesses the power of sacrifice, whose leader is called the Supreme One?"

"Don't think I know everything. I have no idea what organization in the world is known for its sacrificial power. However, there is a story behind this name. The name 'Supreme One' refers to the one on the throne. As for which throne it is, that is hard to say."

"Your Excellency?" Xiao Xingchen nodded slightly.

This makes sense, but there are many different kinds of "seat of honor". The emperor's throne can be called the seat of honor, and the leader of a faction can also be called the seat of honor. In this way, the scope is very broad.

Seeing Xiao Xingchen deep in thought, the illusory figure spoke again: "Boy, from the first time I saw you and witnessed the poison of destiny within you, I knew you were extraordinary. You might soar to the highest heavens, or you might fall into the bottomless abyss. Your future is like a fog, unfathomable to anyone. If others' futures hover between one and two, then yours will at least oscillate between zero and five. Therefore, the path you choose is of paramount importance. A slight misstep will either plunge you into an abyss or elevate you to the highest position. Every step you take is crucial; remember to think thrice before you act."

Xiao Xingchen smiled bitterly and replied helplessly, "Actually, all I want is to survive safely. I have been trying to hide in the mortal world, but unfortunately, trouble always follows me like a shadow."

"Dust, what is dust? The world is vast and boundless. Dust can be as insignificant as a grain of dust on the earth, or as heavy as a star. Do you know why the sword within your demonic womb is gradually wearing away?" Seeing Xiao Xingchen shake his head, the illusory figure continued.

"The core of the War Sword Immortal is like a surging torrent, unstoppable and unstoppable. The fact that you were able to achieve the War Sword Body shows that you once possessed a heart of steel as firm and unwavering as steel. However, now you are like a star obscured by clouds, burdened by worries, causing that heart of war to be covered in dust. Only when you rediscover that feeling of unwavering determination can the War Sword become your most solid support."

"You must understand that whether it is a demon, a sacrifice, or the sword within your demonic womb, they are all merely existing powers in this world. Only the battle sword is like a unique and brilliant star in the night sky, and throughout history, no one has been able to reach its pinnacle. Once you embark on the path of the battle sword, do not look back or hesitate. Just firmly believe that this path is correct, and everything else will become nourishment for you to become the battle sword."

"When you master the sword, you will not only be the supreme ruler, but also the celestial master who rules the heavens. Only then will you be qualified to explore the mystery of your origins."

"Senior knows about my background?" Xiao Xingchen's body trembled violently. He had made countless guesses about that vague memory of his background, but the more he learned, the more confused he became, unable to grasp it.

Who were his parents? How could they bear to exile him to this place and even poison him?

“I once said that only when you have mastered the sword will you have the right to investigate your origins. The reason your parents exiled you must be that they hoped to use the power of the mortal world to wear down your destiny and let you live in the world unharmed. If you cannot reach that level, they will never see you again in this life. To them, seeing you would only bring endless trouble.”

"The hearts of parents are truly selfless! For no other reason than to find your parents, you must diligently hone your sword skills and make yourself qualified."

“I understand that on the path of cultivation, no one has guided me, and I have been groping my way alone. Now that Daji has disappeared, I am even more lost and confused. If possible, I hope that you, senior, can guide me.”