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No one can definitively predict the outcome of that invisible confrontation.

Even someone like Old Liu, a seasoned Venerable One who has lived through three Eras, cannot. He believes Chen Qing also cannot make the judgment, but Chen Qing is willing to gamble. Naturally, he would not shy away from the challenge.

He knows more than Chen Qing, as the arrangement involving Ao Zhen back then was personally supervised by him.

As early as a million years ago, Ao Zhen’s sharpness had already dulled. To ensure everything was foolproof, he placed surveillance on Ao Zhen for a million years. Even as the Dragon Palace fell into slumber, Ao Zhen failed to break through to the King Level, almost confirming her as a lost cause.

Especially later, when Ao Zhen defected to Chen Qing and attempted to use the Divine Path Sect to elevate herself, he knew that Ao Zhen had completely lost her edge. At least, the Sword Dao Fruit—a forward-driving existence—was something never meant for her.

Yet unexpectedly...

"So it was you..."

Ao Zhen, clad in white, exuded an ethereal, spotless aura. She did not appear at all like someone who had just experienced an earth-shaking duel, but her restrained sharpness made even Old Liu, the seasoned Venerable One, feel his heart race slightly.

In that instant, he was completely certain. Ao Zhen had won!

This was someone who, upon breaking through to King Level, could immediately reach the pinnacle.

Looking back, Chen Qing’s aura had changed too. Now, both individuals stood dressed in white, facing each other like two mirrored reflections.

Old Liu stood up, emanating an unfathomable aura.

Ao Zhen glanced at him and slightly raised her sword. A cracking sound echoed as spiderweb-like fractures appeared across its blade.

In that instant, both Chen Qing and Old Liu immediately understood: Ao Zhen was grievously injured.

Her body may appear unscathed, but clearly, her spirit took significant damage—perhaps even her Divine Soul—otherwise, her sword would never be in such a state.

To a Sword Master, the sword is like their very being.

Though Old Liu was not a Swordsman, he understood some principles of swordsmen.

Regardless of whether the sword in a swordsman’s hand is a peerless treasure or a wooden blade, it must not break.

If, during a duel, the sword shatters, it signifies that one’s skill is inferior.

Such is the recognition held by swordsmen.

In the past, there was a famous comic called "Storm and Cloud.

" Elder generations were fond of it. When Jian Chen, the unnamed disciple, faced off against Duan Lang, many believed Jian Chen lost because the Hero’s Sword could not compare to the Fire Qilin Sword.

But in truth, it was not the case. If Unnamed himself wielded that sword, or if Bu Jingyun had wielded it, it would never have broken.

Ultimately, it was Jian Chen who was inferior to Duan Lang.

The same applied now—Ao Zhen’s sword was considered a Divine Weapon. To her Dao, the sword and life were intertwined. Now, with the blade nearly shattered, it indicated that Ao Zhen’s body was similarly on the verge of collapse.

She could break apart with just a single impact.

Old Liu coldly stared at his opponent, his energy circulating, prepared to strike at any moment.

But as time ticked away, he did not make his move.

Because Ao Zhen showed no signs of fear. He could feel with striking clarity that the moment he displayed even the faintest trace of battle intent, Ao Zhen would retaliate—she would draw her sword!

Such was the flaw of the Sword Dao Fruit. There is nothing in the world it cannot sever, but its sole imperfection is its inability to retreat.

The saying "too rigid leads to brittleness" rang true. Ao Zhen’s sword knew no turning back. To draw it was to enter a death match, regardless of who challenged her or how vast their disparity in strength might be.

This meant that those who possessed this Dao Fruit were extremely prone to premature death. Unable to refuse battle, they had to win every single fight—whether they were gravely injured or faced overwhelming odds, they were bound to fight...

"You’ve likely never seen me before, have you?" Old Liu gave a gentle smile, his expression one of a kindly elder.

"I haven’t seen you, but I know you..." Ao Zhen confidently replied, "You’ve been watching me. You’ve been watching me from long ago. No... perhaps I should say you’ve been watching ’it,’ haven’t you?"

Standing behind them, Chen Qing immediately understood Ao Zhen’s words.

Old Liu had long been monitoring Ao Zhen and her Sword Spirit, as this entire situation was his design.

"Indeed, clarity of the Dao Heart. Ascending unto Dao in an instant and immediately reaching such heights.

.." Old Liu inhaled deeply and nodded. "Back then, I was utterly certain you lacked the qualifications to become a Swordsman. Even when you were captured alive by my grandson, I saw it—you still weren’t a Swordsman. How is it that, in just a few short days, you’ve changed so drastically? "

"A person’s transformation often boils down to a single thought. Isn’t that true for you as well?" Ao Zhen redirected her gaze toward Old Liu.

"A single thought, you say?" Old Liu flinched, a rare trace of hesitation flickering in his eyes before he burst into laughter.

Yes, a single thought...

Years ago, he risked his life, intending to vanquish Elder Long and his faction.

But at the final moment, he was nearly brought down by his eldest son instead.

A son he had meticulously nurtured from childhood, whose mother had died early and for whom he had personally managed every detail, even changing every diaper.

After years of effort, the child finally achieved success—only for him to align with Elder Long’s side.

At that moment, Old Liu suddenly realized that sometimes, those you strive to protect may not value your protection at all.

He had always believed in the righteousness of his actions. Why had he resisted such temptations? Was it not because he wanted his sons, grandsons, and kindred to live normal lives, free from selfish ambitions that could turn them into so-called data life forms?

But in reality?

The child he had painstakingly raised had long been ready to join the new Nobility.

When the truth became clear, he felt no sadness. Instead, he felt an incredible sense of relief.

In that instant, he felt light, as if freed from burdens—everything became effortless and unrestrained.

Only then did he understand that, at his core... he was no different from Elder Long and the others!

"You’re right..." Old Liu smiled. "Sometimes all it takes is a single thought to bring about immense change. Quite the oversight..."

"Shall we fight?" Ao Zhen lifted her sword and asked.

Despite her shattered sword, Ao Zhen remained willing to face Old Liu’s overwhelming presence. The result didn’t matter. A Swordsman never cowers from a fight.

Old Liu glanced at her, then at the fractured sword in her hand, his gaze heavy.

This might be the best opportunity. Chen Qing’s spiritual power was exhausted. Even if he had gained the same abilities as Ao Zhen, his performance would be limited. Meanwhile, Ao Zhen was on the verge of collapse.

If he could swiftly defeat Ao Zhen, according to the rules of the Divine Path Sect, Chen Qing would lose access to Ao Zhen’s abilities. A Magician without spiritual power would be nothing more than prey waiting to be slaughtered.

But if Chen Qing managed to leave, and Ao Zhen recovered, she could break through to the King Level at any time. Chen Qing, too, could leverage her to instantly ascend—reaching the peak of the King Level.

With the Fruit of Samsara in his possession, he would likely become a Venerable One bearing two Innate Dao Fruits in short order. If that happened, Jiangnan would possess the capability to rival the ancient elites of the highest order.

Acting now would be the perfect chance to nip this threat in the bud...