Elder Lin was already considered a strong figure within the Shu Mountain Sword Sect.
Barely… considered!
Years ago, he had sparred with Sect Master Lin Jinghong once.
In that encounter, before Lin Jinghong even drew his sword, Elder Lin's sword had already snapped.
The gap between them was immeasurable.
Ever since that battle, Elder Lin had been thoroughly convinced of the Sect Master's superiority.
Of course, the Sect Master rarely showed himself, appearing only on rare occasions, so Elder Lin wasn't the only one who had sparred with him.
Elder Lin remembered clearly that many Elders from the Shu Mountain Sword Sect had eagerly exchanged sword techniques with the Sect Master.
A dozen Elders, one after another, went up in succession, like a relay battle.
But from beginning to end, only one person forced Lin Jinghong to draw his sword.
That Elder was also a recluse, not fond of socializing.
So Elder Lin wasn't familiar with the man, only knowing his name was Zhang Baiyuan!
If Meng Fan heard this name, he would be surprised.
Elder Lin might not be familiar with this person, but Meng Fan knew a bit about him!
"Alright, stop daydreaming. Whether the Sect Master can defeat Li Fanchen or not is beyond our control. Don't linger here any longer; hurry to the Sword God Temple and comprehend the Sword God Stele!"
Elder Lin was ready to continue escorting Meng Fan to the Sword God Temple to comprehend the Sword God Stele.
However, Meng Fan helplessly said, "Master, even if I go to comprehend the Sword God Stele now, I won't be able to calm my mind. Let's wait until the fight between the Sect Master and Li Fanchen concludes."
How could Meng Fan remain indifferent to a battle of such caliber?
Even if he couldn't witness it with his own eyes, he still wanted to know the outcome.
It's only human nature, not a sign of a poor mindset!
Elder Lin's brow furrowed, and hesitation was evident on his face, but he finally gritted his teeth and asked Meng Fan, "Do you really want to watch the battle between these two?"
"Of course, witnessing a battle of this level would surely benefit me for life," Meng Fan blurted out.
Hearing Meng Fan's words, the hesitation on Elder Lin's face gradually turned into resolve.
He steeled his heart and said to Meng Fan, "Fine, today I'll grant you another stroke of fortune!"
Elder Lin truly favored his disciple Meng Fan to the extreme.
He grabbed Meng Fan's shoulder, soared into the sky, and landed on top of the Demon Locking Tower.
Then, to Meng Fan's astonishment, Elder Lin opened a hidden door and entered the Demon Locking Tower.
In an instant, Elder Lin and Meng Fan arrived at the top floor of the tower.
"Master, this…" Meng Fan was dumbfounded, his expression one of disbelief.
"Quiet, watch carefully!" Elder Lin cut off Meng Fan's words.
They were in a special secret chamber at the top of the Demon Locking Tower, with a window that perfectly overlooked the bottom of the tower.
In this secret chamber, there was also a longsword that Meng Fan had seen before.
The Demon Locking Sword!
As the current Sword Elder of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect, only Elder Lin had the privilege to enter this secret chamber.
Bringing Meng Fan here was actually breaking the sect's rules.
If discovered and held accountable, there would surely be punishment!
Meng Fan fell silent, carefully watching the standoff between Lin Jinghong and Li Fanchen at the bottom of the tower.
Elder Lin had taken a risk bringing him here, so naturally, Meng Fan couldn't afford to let his Master down at this moment.
At that moment, in the spacious bottom layer of the Demon Locking Tower.
Lin Jinghong and Li Fanchen stood facing each other, separated by seven or eight meters, silent, but the tension between them was palpable.
Although neither of them made a move or spoke, Meng Fan could faintly sense an aura of confrontation between them.
Of course, it could also be an illusion!
After all, with Meng Fan's current realm and cultivation level, he couldn't sense the level and frequency of their confrontation.
To be honest, he was just staring blankly.
Elder Lin whispered to Meng Fan, "Although these two seem motionless, they are actually clashing with their sword domains. However, you can't perceive that level. If a real fight breaks out, see if you can comprehend anything."
Meng Fan frowned, intently observing the two below, but he couldn't sense any sword domain.
He couldn't even touch the Sword Spirit, let alone the sword domain.
The difference was vast!
Above the Sword Spirit is the Sword Essence.
Above the Sword Essence is the Sword Heart.
And above the Sword Heart is the Sword Domain.
The Sword Domain is the domain of the sword.
Only those who have reached the pinnacle on the path of the sword have a chance to cultivate a Sword Domain.
Those who have cultivated a domain are truly top-tier figures, the ancient ancestors of their respective sects.
Meng Fan tried to activate his Talent for Sword Dao Transcendence, but there was no response.
If the Sword Domain were directed at him or involved him in some way, then the Sword Dao Transcendence would surely react, allowing Meng Fan to catch a glimpse and gain some insight.
But it would be better if that situation didn't occur!
Because if Meng Fan were really attacked by a Sword Domain, he would be dead, and any insights gained would be meaningless.
So Meng Fan could only stare blankly, doing so for the duration of quarter an hour.
This time was completely wasted, without the slightest gain.
The two at the bottom of the Demon Locking Tower finally moved.
Lin Jinghong suddenly spoke to Li Fanchen, "Li Fanchen, you've lost!"
Hearing someone speak, Meng Fan's interest was piqued, and he perked up.
That's it? They've lost?
Are high-level exchanges always so unremarkable?
Nothing was seen, and it was already over?
To be fair, the Sect Master is indeed powerful, worthy of being the leader of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect.
Meng Fan had been right before; the Sect Master, clad in black, truly held the winning cards!
Unfortunately, it still felt somewhat regrettable, after all, he hadn't seen the two truly make their moves.
Just as Meng Fan felt a bit disappointed, thinking that he had come for nothing, Li Fanchen spoke up.
"Sect Master Lin, are you in such a hurry? Just because I'm slightly inferior in the sword domain, you're eager to decide the outcome?"
Lin Jinghong looked coldly at Li Fanchen, his face expressionless as he said, "At our level, being slightly inferior is like a chasm. Clearly, you, Li Fanchen, are no match for me!"
"Heh, it's too early to conclude," Li Fanchen shook his head, clearly not convinced by Lin Jinghong's statement.
He moved his right foot forward, taking half a step.
"Strength and weakness must be tested by the sword. At least in my view, the sword domain is merely an appetizer."
With that, Li Fanchen extended his right hand and drew his longsword from his waist.
As the sword left its sheath, a blood-red sword light streaked out, casting a red glow over the entire Demon Locking Tower.
Utterly bewitching!
Meng Fan's heart surged with excitement.
Here it comes!
The real clash was about to begin.
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan