Wait, How Did My Digital Girlfriend Become a Sword Immortal?

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"Yet this old man still feels somewhat uneasy."

Zhang Yibai fiddled with the Cangyun M4, his brows tightly knit as hesitation crept in again.

"Brother, to be frank, replicating this Cangyun M4 shouldn't pose any significant difficulty, right? Although the cultivation civilization of Ascenders isn't as advanced as Cangyun Realm's, making a stripped-down version would be entirely possible. That could become a threat to both of us!"

Chen Huaian scoffed at this: "Old Zhang, if they could've developed it, wouldn't they have done so already? Their technology simply can't keep up. Besides... the Cangyun M4 runs on Spirit Crystals, which Earth Star doesn't have. They only possess Spirit Jade veins."

He produced a Spirit Jade bead to show Zhang Yibai.

"This is a bead crafted from Spirit Jade veins - the currency of Ascenders. It functions similarly to Spirit Stones, but they're fundamentally different energy sources."

Zhang Yibai took the bead and examined it, confirming the difference.

Yet the energy purity in this low-grade Spirit Jade bead already matched that of mid-grade Spirit Stones.

Regardless, these two power sources were completely incompatible - the Cangyun M4 couldn't operate with Spirit Jade beads.

Unless they modified the Cangyun M4's design.

But as Chen Huaian pointed out, if Earth Star's Ascenders haven't even adapted conventional firearms for cultivation use, what makes them capable of modifying the Cangyun M4?

"Understood."

Zhang Yibai relaxed, his aged eyes glinting with excitement.

"Rest assured, brother. While top-grade Celestial Jade Marrow might be uncertain, we'll secure as much mid and low-grade as possible, hehe!"

He wouldn't have dared make such claims before obtaining the Cangyun M4, but now he spoke with confidence.

"Don't overdo it either," Chen Huaian cautioned.

"Using the Cangyun M4 will inevitably draw attention from other sects. We should quit while we're ahead."

"OK!" Zhang Yibai cheerfully gave Chen Huaian a thumbs-up.

...

After informing Zhang Yibai about the approximate timing and location of the Spirit Jade vein eruption, Chen Huaian first circled the Wind Spirit Sect perimeter several times to confirm no pursuers before returning to the Exorcist Division. From there, he departed for Kunlun Immortal Palace.

The midday sun blazed overhead.

Disciples of Kunlun Palace had already assembled in formation at the sect's plaza.

"Wang Shouyi, hasn't your senior arrived yet?"

"Indeed! Everyone's waiting!"

"And Her Eminence has already emerged, yet he hasn't taken position. Such... presumption!"

"Exactly~"

Wang Shouyi's expression darkened as senior disciples and elders traded comments.

"The agreed time hasn't arrived yet. The senior is punctual - he'll definitely come."

He shot his seniors a sidelong glance, his gaze turning icy. "Her Eminence hasn't uttered a word, yet you all dare criticize? Should I interpret this as overstepping your authority? Moreover, the senior holds the position of Alchemy Pavilion Elder - his status surpasses yours. Another word and I'll report you for insubordination!"

The effect was immediate.

Wang Shouyi's senior disciples immediately fell silent.

Only a few elders remained unfazed.

Seniority still held weight in Kunlun Immortal Palace.

What significance did a newly arrived elder hold? Merely an Honorary Elder, reportedly at Golden Core stage - same as everyone else here, no higher or lower.

Hua Jin paid no heed to the discussions among elders and disciples.

Chen Huaian was talent.

Talent naturally received special treatment and privileges.

Even if Chen Huaian arrived late, she wouldn't reprimand him - let alone now, when the appointed time hadn't yet passed.

As evening approached at nine o'clock, twilight deepened.

Kunlun Immortal Palace's banners snapped in the mountain winds.

After a full afternoon's preparation, all disciples stood ready.

Whoosh—!

The sound of a flying sword splitting the night air made Wang Shouyi's eyes brighten as he looked up eagerly. "The senior has arrived!"

No sooner had he spoken than Chen Huaian, clad in dark blue daoist robes, landed gracefully before Hua Jin's luxurious carriage.

"Your Eminence, this disciple apologizes for his tardiness."

He bowed respectfully yet unsubmissively to the woman within the carriage.

As Honorary Elder, excessive deference to Hua Jin was unnecessary - basic courtesy sufficed.

This attitude also stemmed from his true status as founding ancestor of two sects, a Great Ascension cultivator. Were he not concealing his identity, he wouldn't have spared Hua Jin a glance.

"No matter. Your presence suffices."

Hua Jin's voice carried warmth, her gentle smile almost visible beneath the veil.

"Elder Chen, as Honorary Elder of Alchemy Pavilion, your participation in this competition wasn't required. Your attendance alone brings me joy. Join the formation - we depart immediately."

"As you command." Chen Huaian bowed and retreated beside Wang Shouyi.

Immediately, several envious and resentful gazes turned their way.

Chen Huaian surveyed his surroundings.

Well now - all Golden Core cultivators.

Alongside a few Nascent Soul stage ones.

These represented the displayed cultivation levels among the Ascenders. The crowd also contained mysterious figures emitting no detectable aura - their true strength unknown.

Truly befitting Kunlun Immortal Palace's profound heritage.

"Wang Shouyi, weren't you supposed to introduce me to key figures? Surely not these?" Chen Huaian made no effort to lower his voice. "They don't seem particularly welcoming..."

Wang Shouyi offered an awkward smile.

"Senior, these are indeed they."

"Though I hadn't anticipated such hostility toward you. Clearly prolonged travels among mortals have spoiled their temperaments. Pay them no mind - should they offend, feel free to discipline them!"

Wang Shouyi similarly spoke openly, as if deliberately ensuring they heard.

"Wang Shouyi! What do you mean by that?"

A rough-featured man glared fiercely their way.

Ignoring him, Wang Shouyi instead informed Chen Huaian: "That's Wu Wenbin - direct inheritor of Kunlun Fist techniques. Like me, he's responsible for securing a Demon Sealing Pagoda, though he's yet to even reach its entrance."

Chen Huaian narrowed his eyes. "Which pagoda's location?"

"The Western Sichuan Plateau region."

"Tch. So proud of what?" Wu Wenbin scowled defiantly. "Wang Shouyi, your rapid conquest was mere luck! What gives you cause for arrogance?"

Wang Shouyi merely fanned himself, smiling without reply.

Chen Huaian studied their varied expressions and understood.

Among the direct inheritors besides Li Buyi and Wang Shouyi, exactly seven remained.

Each corresponded to one of seven Demon Sealing Pagodas.

Presently, only Wang Shouyi had successfully captured his assigned pagoda - undoubtedly elevating his standing in Hua Jin's eyes. Moreover, she'd assigned Li Buyi's pagoda mission to Wang Shouyi as well. After securing the Celestial Jade Marrow, Wang Shouyi would lead that operation.

Chen Huaian flashed Wu Wenbin a toothy grin and cupped his hands respectfully.

"So this is the renowned Inheritor Wu! An honor!"

He too needed to reach those pagodas - ahead of these inheritors - without revealing his intentions.

Apologies then.

This chaotic competition would have to serve as Wang Shouyi's opportunity to eliminate some rivals.

As the saying goes - one doesn't strike a smiling face.

Faced with Chen Huaian's courtesy, Wu Wenbin could hardly maintain his hostility.

He merely snorted and turned away.

Yet for some reason, Chen Huaian's smile sent chills down his spine.

"Probably... just my imagination."

He muttered to himself.

...

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