The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 1757: Chapter 1854: Rules Different from the Past

"Go back and tell the Pavilion Master of the Sealing Sword Pavilion that how our Sky Swallowing Palace operates is none of his business to dictate," said Fang Lin casually, not bothering to respond to Dugu Nian.

The middle-aged swordsman said no more. After bowing again, he turned and left, seemingly aware that his visit was just a formality. No matter how much authority the Sealing Sword Pavilion holds over the various factions of the Nine Countries Seven Seas, they cannot restrain the Sky Swallowing Palace. As long as the Sky Swallowing Palace doesn’t do anything too outrageous, the Sealing Sword Pavilion would naturally turn a blind eye.

"The Sealing Sword Pavilion sure is bold, inviting so many factions from the Nine Countries Seven Seas. Aren’t they afraid that the Sword Head Evaluation won’t succeed and instead turns into chaos among the factions?" Dugu Nian remarked with a cold laugh.

Fang Lin gazed ahead and said, "The Sealing Sword Pavilion has many experts, plus the Ten Thousand Mountains is their territory, so causing trouble isn’t easy."

After a pause, Fang Lin added, "It’s also possible that the Sword Head Evaluation isn’t the true aim of the Sealing Sword Pavilion; perhaps they have other intentions."

Dugu Nian nodded, then smiled and said, "I wonder how many from our Sky Swallowing Palace can make it onto the Sword Head List after this evaluation?"

As soon as he said this, several masked figures on the Flying Boat turned to look over.

After all, several members from the Sky Swallowing Palace are participating in this Sword Head Evaluation. Not to mention Nangong Shoujian and Cao Xuesheng, even Jian Angxing, who is always quiet and reserved, is participating.

Though others may not know, everyone in the Sky Swallowing Palace is well aware of Jian Angxing’s strength; he is a true master of Sword Tao. Even Nangong Shoujian, the Sword Head from eight hundred years ago, is greatly impressed by Jian Angxing’s swordsmanship prowess.

Fang Lin and Dugu Nian expect that at least one person from the Sky Swallowing Palace will make it onto the Sword Head List after this evaluation, though what rank they will achieve is uncertain.

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Apart from a minor conflict with the Haoran Sword Sect, the journey was mostly uneventful, and the group from the Sky Swallowing Palace reached the Ten Thousand Mountains without issues.

The Flying Boat landed on the peak of a mountain, where people from the Sealing Sword Pavilion were already waiting to greet them. The person who came was even a familiar face to the Sky Swallowing Palace.

A middle-aged man with white hair and a scholarly, refined appearance, who once blocked Dugu Nian from going to rescue Fang Lin outside the Sky Swallowing Palace.

"I am Zhang Longxiang, apologies for not welcoming you from afar," said the white-haired man, referred to by the Pavilion Master as Mr. Dragon Elephant, a master of Sword Tao himself. His tone was calm and composed, neither distant nor overly friendly, but impeccable nonetheless.

Upon seeing this person, Dugu Nian had no good demeanor, snorting coldly, with a hint of hostility in his eyes.

Behind Mr. Dragon Elephant stood two swordsmen, who, upon sensing the hostility from the Sky Swallowing Palace leader, immediately became alert, their expressions very grave, clearly quite wary of Dugu Nian.

Mr. Dragon Elephant, however, remained composed and said, "This time, the Sword Head Evaluation is hosted by our Sealing Sword Pavilion. I wonder if the Sky Swallowing Palace leader could temporarily put aside past grievances? If you truly wish to make a move against me, please wait until after the evaluation; I will not evade."

"What? Do you think that just because we’ve arrived on your Sealing Sword Pavilion’s territory, everything has to follow your rules?" Dugu Nian said contemptuously.

Mr. Dragon Elephant chuckled, saying no more.

Dugu Nian indeed did not intend to fight him, since this visit was for the Sword Head Evaluation, not to declare war against the Sealing Sword Pavilion.

The group from the Sky Swallowing Palace followed Mr. Dragon Elephant to their temporary residence, during which he briefly explained the rules of the Sword Head Evaluation to them.

This time, the Sword Head Evaluation has both similarities and differences compared to the past.

Similarities lie in that after the evaluation, three lists will be announced: the Famous Sword List, the Sword Head List, and the Talent Sword Head List.

The Famous Sword List goes without saying, while the Sword Head List and Talent Sword Head List differ slightly. The former is the more prestigious Sword Head List, which all swordsmen in the world aspire to join.

As for the Talent Sword Head List, it is the proving ground for the younger generation of swordsmen.

After all, many young swordsmen from the Nine Countries Seven Seas are participating this time. Swordsmen under the age of fifty are considered young and can compete for the Talent Sword Head List.

Of course, young swordsmen under fifty who wish to compete on the more challenging Sword Head List are welcome to do so without restrictions.

Eight hundred years ago, the last Sword Head Evaluation, though not hosted by the Sealing Sword Pavilion, followed their usual format with selections for both Sword Head Lists. Nangong Shoujian astonished everyone back then, ranking first on the Talent Sword Head List.

The Sword Head List without the "Talent" prefix is open to all swordsmen worldwide, whether seasoned veterans or emerging talents.

Swordsmen who make it onto the Sword Head List attract worldwide attention and gain the title of the strongest swordsman.

The difference this time, compared to past evaluations, lies in the emphasis on fairness. Strength is not based on cultivation levels; rather, it’s all about one’s Sword Tao. The Sealing Sword Pavilion set up an array where swordsmen’s cultivation is equalized, preventing anyone from overpowering their opponent with mere cultivation prowess, relying solely on their swordsmanship to achieve victory.

This rule was unexpected by many, but almost everyone deems it reasonable.

Given that participants’ cultivation levels vary greatly and that the evaluation predominantly depends on swordsmanship rather than cultivation, relying solely on cultivation to defeat an opponent whose swordsmanship is superior should not warrant a place on the Sword Head List.

Therefore, to ensure fairness and provide more opportunities to swordsmen worldwide, the Sealing Sword Pavilion adopted this method.

"So, I can participate in not only the Talent Sword Head List but also the Sword Head List," said Cao Xuesheng with the Wolf Head Mask, laughing.

Due to his age and cultivation, Cao Xuesheng initially planned to compete only in the Talent Sword Head List to claim the title of the top swordsman of the younger generation. However, after hearing Mr. Dragon Elephant’s explanation, he developed an interest in the true Sword Head List as well.

"You better take it easy, kid," Nangong Shoujian joked.

Without much further exchange, the group followed Mr. Dragon Elephant to their temporary lodgings constructed by the Sky Swallowing Palace, which were just about passable for a brief stay without much fuss.

Interestingly, not far from the Sky Swallowing Palace’s accommodations were the residences of the people of the three sects, which made for an intriguing arrangement.

ps: The fourth update is done, time to eat. Continuing tomorrow, remember to vote for recommendations, everyone!

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