The Unparalleled Sword Emperor
Chapter 1717 - 1714: Sword Intention Runs a Million Miles!

Chapter 1717: Chapter 1714: Sword Intention Runs a Million Miles!

The Northern Frost Dynasty, located at the northernmost reaches of the Lingnan Continent, is a land perpetually blanketed by snow and ice. This vast expanse of icy wilderness stretches endlessly, with heavy snowfall persisting throughout the year.

Though the land remains frozen year-round, it possesses an abundance of cultivation resources shaped by its unique environment. Chief among them is the famed Ice Blood Ginseng found within the Icebound Mountain Range.

Throughout the years, countless warriors have journeyed to the Northern Frost Dynasty, braving the Icebound Mountain Range in hopes of finding wild Ice Blood Ginseng. Many seek to enhance their cultivation and refine their strength, yet most leave empty-handed. Still, some with patience spanning years occasionally succeed in discovering a single specimen.

Beyond the Icebound Mountain Range, another site within the Northern Frost Dynasty also captures great attention: the Sword Pavilion.

The Sword Pavilion is the secluded sanctuary of the Old Man of the Lonely Boat. Every day, countless brilliant young talents flock to the Sword Pavilion, yearning to be accepted as disciples of the Old Man and inherit his Heaven-reaching sword skills.

However, the Old Man of the Lonely Boat is eccentric and reticent about taking disciples. Despite his years of reclusion in the Sword Pavilion and the myriad of sword geniuses who have come seeking apprenticeship, he has only ever accepted one disciple: Zhang Jianxing.

When Zhang Jianxing emerged in the world years ago, his renown as the Legacy of the Demon Sword and Destroyer shook Lingnan. This, in turn, further magnified the Old Man’s legendary status.

Thus, in recent years, even more bright young talents have arrived at the Sword Pavilion, unwilling to abandon their hopes of being accepted by the Old Man.

On the Lingnan Continent, the Heaven-reaching Sword Sect and Donglan Sword Sect are sanctuaries for sword cultivators. However, to gain entry into these two great sects, one must carve out a bloody path from amongst millions of sword cultivators. Even so, there’s no guarantee of attaining the sects’ ultimate techniques that anchor their legacies.

Becoming a disciple of the Old Man of the Lonely Boat, however, is entirely different. With very few disciples, successful apprenticeship ensures one inherits the Old Man’s profound teachings—just like Zhang Jianxing.

The Bingxi River flows as an icy waterway within the Northern Frost Dynasty. Uniquely, despite the bone-chilling lands surrounding it, its waters have never frozen. Instead, they glide steadily downstream.

"I’ve long heard of the legends surrounding Bingxi River. Today, seeing it for myself proves it’s indeed extraordinary."

"Indeed! Who would’ve thought that within the Northern Frost Dynasty, there exists such a flowing ice river!"

Alongside Bingxi River, countless warriors race downstream, chatting and laughing as they progress.

Lin Bai appeared by the Bingxi River, observing the gently flowing water. A faint smile graced his face as he spoke, "It seems the Sword Pavilion isn’t far from here. I can already sense the Sword Intent."

Gazing into the waters, Lin Bai’s lips curled slightly upward. He had discovered why Bingxi River remained unfrozen amidst the Northern Frost Dynasty’s frigid air: the river was infused with a potent Sword Intent!

The Sword Intent coursing through the Bingxi River perpetually sliced apart the heavens’ chilling cold, preventing the waters from freezing.

Unlike the other warriors who soared above Bingxi River, Lin Bai chose instead to walk alongside it, step by step, following the flow downstream.

Along the way, while observing the Sword Intent within Bingxi River, Lin Bai thought to himself, "What level of strength does this Old Man of the Lonely Boat possess to have maintained Sword Intent within Bingxi River for so many years?"

"I’ve heard that Bingxi River stretches a million miles and hasn’t frozen in over a decade."

"This means that, in the past decade, the Old Man has continuously emanated Sword Intent, dispersing the cold within the river while allowing the Sword Intent to flow unhindered for a million miles!"

"Such mastery over Sword Intent... Such power... It’s utterly beyond comprehension!"

Walking by the riverbank, Lin Bai’s deep gaze reflected his thoughts.

"Sword Heart can sever the heavens’ energy; Sword Intent flows for a million miles!" Lin Bai took a deep breath, feeling a profound respect and reverence for the Old Man of the Lonely Boat.

Bingxi River is considered a marvel within the Northern Frost Dynasty, attracting countless warriors from Lingnan Continent daily. Many stop to marvel at its wonders, their hearts filled with awe. Since the river lies close to the Sword Pavilion, the area has become particularly crowded with visitors.

Lin Bai had entered the Northern Frost Dynasty a month ago but hadn’t directly gone to the Icebound Mountain Range. Instead, he’d first sought out the Sword Pavilion.

Lin Bai’s purpose in visiting the Sword Pavilion was twofold: first, to reunite with Zhang Jianxing.

Second, Lin Bai had come to reclaim the Demon Sword!

In the past, when Lin Bai wielded the Demon Sword within the Stars Secret Realm, its demonic nature combined with the Demon Flower’s essence threatened to consume his mind completely. At the crucial moment, Zhang Jianxing sought help from the Old Man of the Lonely Boat. The Old Man intervened from afar, retrieving the Demon Sword from Lin Bai and thus restoring Lin Bai’s consciousness.

The Old Man had once declared, "Lin Bai, come to the Sword Pavilion to reclaim the Demon Sword!"

"Brother, look at that fool. Instead of flying across, he’s walking step by step along the riverbank. Isn’t he ridiculous?" A Spirit Boat soared above Bingxi River.

On the boat stood a man and a woman side by side.

The woman pointed at Lin Bai mockingly as she spoke.

Her companion snorted arrogantly and said, "Hmph, a warrior who hasn’t even reached the Flying Sky Realm dreams of entering the Sword Pavilion and apprenticing under Senior Guzhou? Utterly delusional!"

Their conversation revealed their intent to seek apprenticeship under the Old Man of the Lonely Boat.

Lin Bai noticed the Spirit Boat but ignored it, continuing his steady pace along the riverside as he followed the flowing water downstream, unhurried, as if strolling casually.

"The Spirit Boat of the Chen Family from the Northern Frost Dynasty—the dynasty’s so-called second family." Lin Bai glanced at the Spirit Boat briefly before losing interest and averting his gaze.

After entering the Northern Frost Dynasty, Lin Bai had heard much about the region’s power dynamics, including the Chen Family.

The Chen Family, touted as the second family of the Northern Frost Dynasty after the Ice Family, was mediocre when it came to actual strength, their reputation mostly inflated and undeserved.

The man and woman on the Spirit Boat were Chen Rui and Chen Li, members of the Chen Family’s direct lineage. Their appearance at the Sword Pavilion was to attempt apprenticeship with the Old Man of the Lonely Boat.

"Let’s go, sister. Don’t waste time on a fool like this. This is our fifth year visiting the Sword Pavilion, and this time we must meet Senior Guzhou or Senior Brother Zhang Jianxing."

"Only then can we hope to apprentice under Senior Guzhou."

Chen Rui’s gaze was resolute, his expression ablaze with determination.

Year after year, he and Chen Li journeyed to the Sword Pavilion to seek the Old Man’s guidance, always leaving unsuccessful. Yet their unwavering desire compelled them to return, hoping their sincerity would finally win over the Old Man.

"Yes." Chen Li nodded decisively. The Spirit Boat soared away, disappearing into the dense icy mist.

Meanwhile, Lin Bai steadily made his way along the riverside, approaching the Sword Pavilion.