With the guidance and special training of the Sword Saint, Dugu Qingqian, his strength had soared tremendously. Now, with his own power, he could unleash the twenty-first sword, and even the twenty-second was not far off. To break through two sword techniques consecutively was a testament to his explosive growth in power.

To achieve such a feat while only at the Golden Core Stage truly marked him as an exceptional genius.

However, Dugu Qingqian said indifferently, "With your talent, coupled with my personal guidance, reaching this stage is only to be expected. What is there to be happy about?"

Li Zuoyue's joyful expression vanished instantly. He simply muttered an "oh" and bowed his head in silence.

Dugu Qingqian continued, "The Ancient Sanctuary is the grandest event in all of Nanzhou. It is a gathering of geniuses and a crucible for the strong! If you let your guard down, you will surely take a heavy fall. Remember, there are many people in this world more talented than you! For us sword practitioners, swordplay itself is secondary. You can lose, and you can lose many times, but your Sword Heart... must never be allowed to be tarnished!

"Otherwise, you are destined not to walk far on this Sword Dao. Do you understand?"

After a moment of thought, Li Zuoyue's eyes lit up. "Disciple understands, Master! It's just as you challenged Elder Luo countless times throughout your life. You were defeated again and again, but you always fought on, never giving up! I will certainly follow your example!"

As soon as he said this, Dugu Qingqian's pupils shrank. A hint of killing intent appeared in the Sword Saint's eyes as they locked onto Li Zuoyue. "I suddenly feel that merely unleashing twenty-one swords is insufficient for you to handle the Ancient Sanctuary... You will practice more. Strive to master one more sword in this final half-month!"

Hearing this, Li Zuoyue went completely numb.

Are you kidding me?! After two whole months of hellish training, I've lost weight and shed several layers of skin just to master the twenty-first sword. Now there's only half a month left, and I have to master another one? Master, why don't you just kill me with a single strike and get it over with!

...

Meanwhile, at the Tianjue Chamber of the Sonic Sect, a surge of zither music rippled through the air, imbued with the earth-shattering power of crumbling mountains and rivers and the supreme battle intent to tread upon the heavens.

Instantly, a magnificent scene rose from the surface of the water, depicting a chaotic dance of Demons and Gods, collapsing landscapes, and a stampede of ten thousand beasts. It was enough to make one's blood boil, as if they were immersed in a primeval, ancient battlefield.

After a long moment, the zither music gradually softened, drawing to a close.

"Excellent!" Gong Shangyu, the head of the Sonic Sect, walked out slowly, looking at his prized disciple with satisfaction. "Your Mountain and River Hundred Battles Song has become increasingly exquisite! With your current attainment, after another hundred years of arduous practice, you might have a chance at reaching perfection! Such speed... could place you in the top five among all the successors in the history of our Sonic Sect! Ling'er, you have done very well!"

During the battle in Limitless City, Qin Guangling's Mountain and River Hundred Battles Song had successfully reached the Great Completion Realm. Now, after several months of painstaking practice, he had not only solidified his mastery but had also refined it considerably.

Qin Guangling rose, his movements graceful, and bowed respectfully. "I was fortunate. In the Phoenix Perch Building that day, that mysterious senior played the 'Tribulation-Passing Immortal Melody.' Though much time has passed, its exquisite tune still lingers in my mind... Every time I recall it, I gain new insights!"

Gong Shangyu pondered this. "I investigated the senior you spoke of but found nothing... It seems they are not of our Sonic Sect!"

Qin Guangling frowned. "How can that be?"

Gong Shangyu nodded. "The Tribulation-Passing Immortal Melody is a supreme technique of our Sonic Sect. If someone had learned it, I would surely have heard something, or at least... been able to guess their identity. But alas, none of the current seniors in the Sonic Sect have practiced it!"

Qin Guangling's brow furrowed in silence.

"There's no need to overthink it," Gong Shangyu said reassuringly. "The inability to find them doesn't mean they don't exist... Perhaps it's just a certain senior who wishes to remain hidden from us... Since you were able to hear this senior's music, it is your own karmic fortune. I believe that one day, you will surely meet them!"

Qin Guangling nodded. "I understand, Master!"

Gong Shangyu nodded in approval. "Hmm, the Ancient Sanctuary opens in half a month. Prepare yourself well, and pack a few extra sets of clothes... We disciples of the Sonic Sect are different from the other branches. Our image is very important when we travel. Elegance is a lifetime's pursuit!"

With that, Gong Shangyu turned and left.

Qin Guangling returned to his room and opened his wardrobe, beginning to carefully select his clothes. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a woman's dress. His heart stirred, but he quickly averted his eyes. No, I can never wear this dress again! Since I've decided to forget the past, to forget that identity, I must be thorough. Should I just burn this dress? Yes! Burn it!

Having made his decision, Qin Guangling took down the garment. Mana gathered in his hand as he prepared to set it alight. But just as he was about to act, he hesitated. This dress, after all, gave me an unforgettable, extraordinary memory. Wouldn't it be a shame to burn it just like that? Maybe... I'll wear it one last time? Yes, just one last time! I'll burn it after wearing it!

...

Vermilion Bird City.

Inside the Heaven-grade suite of the All Fragrances Garden.

The suite was enormous and custom-built, complete with an indoor hot spring large enough for dozens of people to frolic in. Naturally, the price was exorbitant. Yet now, it had been booked for three consecutive days.

"Ah~ Master, you really know how to live it up!" Huang Yunchong exclaimed, leaning against the edge of the hot spring as several scantily clad women massaged him.

"Nonsense. If I didn't, how could I be your master?"

Not far away, the head of the Room Sect was lounging on a recliner by the water's edge, while several pretty women massaged his legs.

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