Chapter 111: The Funeral

As the image gradually sharpened, the Sword Sovereign Ling Xiao’s brow furrowed ever deeper.

In the scene, the Ink Evil Sword pierced through the body of the Infinite Sword Sovereign like a venomous serpent.

Nearby stood a young boy and a little girl...

He never expected Infinite to fall in such a way.

“Pfft...”

Ling Xiao suddenly spat a mouthful of blood, his chest heaving violently, clearly overwhelmed by a mixture of grief and rage, his spirit severely wounded.

“Ink Evil Sword, and those two juniors, mark my words!” His voice brimmed with icy murderous intent. “No matter where you hide—be it the ends of the earth—I will find you and avenge Infinite!”

“Master, are you alright?” A disciple standing nearby asked anxiously.

“I must go out for a while,” Ling Xiao said sternly. “Notify the elders to strengthen the sect’s defenses. There must be no mistakes.”

“Yes, Master.”

Before the words had faded, Ling Xiao swept his sleeve and transformed into a streak of light, dashing toward the direction of the Ten-Thousand Sword Cave, leaving the disciples behind to respectfully acknowledge his command.

Ling Xiao was at the early stage of the Great Ascension realm. It took him only a quarter of an hour to reach the colossal stone gate of the Ten-Thousand Sword Cave.

The moment he stepped through the gate, a deep voice echoed in the vast cavern: “Why have you come? Isn’t your Shadowless Sword enough to your liking?”

“I am not here for a sword,” Ling Xiao’s voice carried a trace of sorrow. “I have come to recover my brother’s body.”

“Oh, if that is the case, enter.”

The owner of the voice seemed unsurprised by Ling Xiao’s purpose and calmly granted his request.

Ling Xiao immediately advanced deeper into the heart of the Ten-Thousand Sword Cave.

When he saw the shriveled corpse lying on the ground, his heart felt as though pierced by a sharp blade, unbearable pain flooding him.

“Infinite, Infinite, rest assured, your brother will seek justice for you.” His voice was laden with endless grief.

After speaking, he carefully collected the dried corpse into his spatial ring, as if conducting a solemn ritual.

Then, he withdrew a mysterious treasure from the ring—the Origin-Tracking Pearl, an artifact capable of gathering and tracing residual spiritual energy in the air up to two days past.

“Shameless juniors, your time of death approaches,” Ling Xiao’s eyes glinted coldly, his tone brimming with ruthless killing intent.

Having gathered the necessary traces, he immediately returned to the Celestial Sword Sect.

“Welcome back, Master.”

“Master, you have finally returned.”

Several elders had been waiting for a long time inside the council hall.

Ling Xiao waved his hand, and the dried corpse quietly appeared in the center of the hall.

“Prepare a grand funeral for the Infinite Sword Sovereign,” he declared with unquestionable authority.

“Master, has the soul of the Infinite Sword Sovereign dissipated?” one elder cautiously inquired.

“He was drained of his vital essence by the Ink Evil Sword, and even his soul has vanished.”

Ling Xiao’s voice was filled with pain and rage, his fists clenched tightly, nails digging into flesh without registering any physical pain—the torment in his heart far outweighing any bodily suffering.

Three days later, the Celestial Sword Sect held a solemn funeral. The entire cultivation world had learned of Infinite Sword Sovereign’s demise.

The disciples of the Celestial Sword Sect wore white robes, and a cloud of sorrow seemed to shroud the entire sect.

“Alas, I wonder who could have harmed the Infinite Sword Sovereign,” a disciple murmured softly.

“Silence! Do not speak recklessly,” another quickly interrupted. “The Master will surely uncover the truth and avenge the Infinite Sword Sovereign.”

...

In the territory of the Black Bamboo Clan, Jiang Yan and Yun Yun had spent three days.

During this time, they examined the area once richest in spiritual energy within the mountains, the sacred ground where spiritual bamboo had once been cultivated.

Jiang Yan observed carefully and discovered faint traces of a formation remaining.

He suspected it was a formation designed to seize fortune.

The power of that Chaos Pearl was clearly not to be underestimated.

Jiang Yan turned to Li Dabao beside him and asked gravely, “Li Dabao, has there been any unusual activity in the neighboring mountain range recently?”

Li Dabao pondered for a moment before replying, “The spiritual energy in the adjacent mountains seems to have grown more abundant, and their spiritual plants are thriving vigorously.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze pierced through the layered peaks, settling on the neighboring mountain range. A flicker of determination glimmered in his eyes. “It seems we must make a trip to the neighboring mountains.”

However, they needed a pretext, lest the Pig Demon Clan discover their true intentions.

With a plan forming in his mind, Jiang Yan whispered a few words into Li Dabao’s ear.

A cunning gleam flashed in Li Dabao’s eyes as he nodded repeatedly. “Master, I understand.”

The next morning.

Jiang Yan, Yun Yun, and Li Dabao arrived together at the Pig Demon Clan’s territory.

The two pig demon guards at the gate immediately recognized Li Dabao. “Chief Li, what brings you here so early this morning?”

Li Dabao straightened his chest and replied calmly, “Please inform the chief that I have a significant business matter to discuss with him personally.”

“Business?” The guard Ada exchanged a knowing glance with his companion Azhuang. “Go quickly and notify the chief that Chief Li has urgent matters to discuss.”

Azhuang nodded and hurried away, leaving Ada to continue guarding the gate, curiously eyeing the three visitors.

Meanwhile, the Pig Demon Clan chief was in high spirits today. Early in the morning, he had summoned his concubines to share a lavish meal.

The chief’s chopsticks moved deftly among the exquisite dishes as his gaze lingered on each of his concubines’ faces, filled with affection and admiration.

“Tingting, my little sweetheart, you’ve lost weight. Here, try this spiritual cabbage; it will nourish your body,” he said with a tenderness that could melt hearts.

“Hua Hua, my darling, you are becoming more enchanting by the day. Eat this spiritual radish; it will make you even more radiant and graceful.”

After speaking, his broad hand gently brushed Hua Hua’s hand.

A rosy blush spread across Hua Hua’s cheeks as she playfully chided, “Husband, you’re so annoying!”

...

Amid this harmonious atmosphere, sudden hurried footsteps shattered the tranquility.

Guard Azhuang rushed in, eyes glancing over the sumptuous feast, swallowing hard before speaking urgently:

“Chief, Chief Li from the neighboring mountains has arrived, accompanied by two human cultivators. He says he wishes to discuss a business deal with you.”

Upon hearing this, a sharp gleam flashed in the Pig Demon Chief’s eyes. So soon—could the treasure be delivered to his doorstep?

His wife gently wiped the corner of his mouth and softly said, “Husband, since we have distinguished guests, you should attend to them. I will take good care of the sisters here.”

“Lingling, you are so thoughtful. I will be back soon. You all continue eating,” the chief praised her, then instructed Azhuang, “Escort them to the council hall.”

With that, the chief rose, swished his sleeves, and strode briskly toward the council hall.

As his figure vanished around the corner, the wives at the table could no longer contain themselves; they stretched out their delicate hands and swept the dishes clean as if afraid of missing out on anything.