Walker Of The Worlds
Chapter 2970: Blades Set Aside, Cups Raised

Chapter 2970: Blades Set Aside, Cups Raised

The Tournament had come to a close—but the fires it had ignited in the hearts of the disciples and elders were still blazing strong.

And so, as tradition dictated, the Xian Sword Sect hosted a grand banquet—not just to honor the victors, but to commemorate the rare gathering of legends, dreams, and sword light that had passed through their halls.

It was now a Festival of Blades and Wine.

As twilight draped the mountains in soft violet, the sect’s central plaza was transformed.

Massive tables were arranged in cascading circles from the Sect Hall all the way down to the lower pavilions, glowing lanterns floating above like stars held in suspension. Golden silk banners fluttered gently, each embroidered with sword motifs—cranes, dragons, waves, and pines—all stitched in silver thread.

Hundreds of culinary cultivators and spirit chefs had been working for days, and now their efforts came to life.

Roasted Sky Crane with spiritual herbs.

Glazed Spiritfish that shimmered with qi.

Melon wine brewed with Sword Petal Blossoms that glittered in the cup like starlight.

Plates steamed, wine flowed, and laughter echoed.

Little Shrubby was already sampling everything, taking notes and seeing what he could add to his ever-growing list of recipes. Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang were meanwhile busy stuffing their bellies while Ashy pecked at whatever gained her interest.

Disciples toasted one another, reenacting the tournament battles with wild gestures and exaggerated sound effects. Some dared each other to mimic Lin Mu’s technique using chopsticks and spoons.

High Elders chuckled quietly among themselves, sipping aged immortal wine while carefully discussing the fine control of Sword Intent that Lin Mu had demonstrated.

Music played from spiritual zithers and wind chimes tuned with formation arrays. The result was an ambient harmony that floated through the air, not overpowering but gently elevating the mood of the entire sect.

And seated at the center, at the high table alongside the key elders—

Lin Mu.

Though quiet by nature, Lin Mu had taken part in the pleasantries with sincere courtesy. Having been to many such events by now, he had grown used to them.

He exchanged toasts with fellow swordsmen, offered respectful words to the younger disciples, and even smiled at the jokes told by a particularly drunk female disciple who insisted on calling him "Sword Daddy."

Meng Bai, seated beside him, was glowing with pride, telling anyone who would listen:

"That’s my master! You saw what he did, right? Bare hands! You try that!"

Even Elder Yan Dao, freshly bandaged but no less proud, joined in and raised a cup to Lin Mu.

"You held back... I could tell. That means I have a reason to train harder. And for that, I thank you."

Lin Mu smiled faintly and nodded.

But just as the third round of toasts came around—

A quiet attendant whispered something into his ear.

And Lin Mu stood up.

It was time for a private audience with the Grand Elder

The Sect Hall’s upper tower was far removed from the revelry below. Wind swept through the open archways, stirring hanging scrolls and the incense smoke that drifted like ghosts in the candlelight.

Lin Mu walked in quietly.

And the Grand Elder Huo, was already waiting—robes unadorned, hair tied simply, but his presence radiant.

He smiled as Lin Mu approached.

"I’ve fought dragons, walked through the rivers of fire, and seen ancient tombs open beneath my feet."

"But nothing excited me more than watching you today."

Lin Mu bowed respectfully.

"I am honored, Grand Elder."

"No," The Grand Elder said, waving it off. "I am the one honored. To see a sword talent like yours... in my lifetime."

He took a step closer, his eye gleaming.

"I almost jumped into that arena myself."

Lin Mu chuckled softly.

"Would have made the banquet even livelier."

The Grand Elder laughed heartily at that.

"No doubt the mountains nearby would’ve cracked in half," he said. "But... I must confess. I’m itching for a fight."

Lin Mu blinked once, then smiled.

"I will accept your challenge, Grand Elder. But perhaps... not yet."

The Grand Elder’s gaze sharpened, but then softened. He nodded slowly.

"Yes... You’re wise. The arena or rather the entire division would never survive."

He turned to the open balcony, looking down at the glow of the feast below.

"No... you must first pass through the Path of the Sealed Sword."

"Then, when you return from the Sacred Ground, fully tempered..."

"That is when I will fight you."

Lin Mu stood beside him, silent for a few breaths. Then—

"Then I look forward to it, Grand Elder."

"Good," The Grand Elder said. "Because I will prepare for it like I’m preparing for death."

He laughed again, deep and rich.

"Now go. Return to the banquet. Eat, drink, laugh. Let them celebrate you."

"You’ve earned it, Sword Emperor."

While Lin Mu might not be at that stage in cultivation or age, for the Grand Elder he was already qualified.

Sword Emperor was no mere metaphorical title, it was an official designation. In fact, it was the very pinnacle of Sword Intent one could reach under the celestial realm.

It was the stage after Sword Heart Stage of Sword Intent.

It was incredibly difficult to reach. Even the Grand Elder himself was at the Sword Heart Stage of Sword Intent. And this was when he was already a transcendent immortal. Most didn’t reach Sword Heart stage even when they became Transcendent, forget reaching the Sword Emperor Stage.

Even for Celestials, reaching the Sword Emperor Stage of Sword Intent was a great achievement.

But the Grand Elder knew Lin Mu could do it. He knew this for sure because he had already seen someone do it before.

The Patriarch of the Xian Sword Sect himself!

Unaware of the Grand Elder’s thoughts, Lin Mu bowed again.

And as he walked back down the polished stone steps, the stars above glinting like sword tips in the sky, one thing became certain.

The next Chapter of his legend had already begun.

And the path ahead was glowing with golden fire.