Chaotic Sword God Chapter 3953: The Mad Master

The moment the Scholar Capital Master spoke, numerous cultivators instinctively shifted their attention toward Jian Chen. Occasionally, their eyes would also linger on the Heavenloss Master.

Since the emergence of the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing, these two had been the primary contenders for its possession. The Heavenloss Master had even previously declared ownership, intending to present the treasure to the elder princess of the Heavenly Palace of Great Radiance.

However, the Heavenloss Master had undergone a baffling transformation. His conduct toward Jian Chen had shifted so abruptly that many observers found it difficult to process the change.

The Scholar Capital Master fixed his gaze upon Jian Chen, his brow furrowing slightly. He noted that Jian Chen’s aura differed significantly from the individual who had initially breached the formation.

Nevertheless, he didn't dwell on the discrepancy. Knowing the ruthless nature of the Skyscraping World, he understood that heavenly resources often changed hands multiple times. The person currently holding the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing did not necessarily have to be the one who first broke the seal.

“Fellow, is the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing in your possession?” the Scholar Capital Master interrogated with a stern expression.

“Scholar Capital Master, I have personally inspected the site where the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing matured. Based on the evidence left behind, that fruit was clearly planted by the Skyscraping Sword Venerable himself. Since it is a legacy of the Skyscraping Sword Venerable, it naturally belongs to whoever is destined to find it; it was never your property,” Zuo Dao remarked from beside Jian Chen. He remained perfectly composed, neither being overly aggressive nor excessively humble. Even when confronting a Sixth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt like the Scholar Capital Master, he showed no sign of intimidation.

“And who might you be?” The Scholar Capital Master’s expression darkened, a flicker of murderous intent dancing in the depths of his eyes.

He was obsessed with obtaining the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing. It was a vital component of his plans. Regarding its ownership, he was unwilling to tolerate any interference or challenges.

“I am Zuo Dao of the Divine Valley of the Nine Heavens, hailing from the Wondrous Success Heaven!” Zuo Dao announced, clasping his fist in a formal greeting.

Upon hearing this, the Scholar Capital Master’s eyes narrowed. The killing intent buried in his gaze vanished instantly. He frowned and muttered, “Since my Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing isn't with you, why are you interfering?”

“I am merely speaking the truth. Every resource within the Skyscraping World was left by the Skyscraping Sword Venerable for the benefit of the younger generations of the Immortals’ World. Items go to those with the karmic luck to find them. As one of the three sages of the Modest Silence Heaven and a powerful Sixth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt, your current behavior is somewhat beneath your status,” Zuo Dao countered.

Xing Caijian’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. She glanced at Jian Chen and sent a private transmission: “Is he with you?”

Jian Chen gave a slight shake of his head, signaling his ignorance. In truth, he had already formed a suspicion after seeing Zuo Dao constantly accompanying the Heavenloss Master.

Xing Caijian studied Zuo Dao, her mind filled with uncertainty. The Divine Valley of the Nine Heavens was a formidable power. Prior to the dominance of the Heavenly Palace of Great Radiance, they were the undisputed masters of the Wondrous Success Heaven. In their golden age, they even boasted a Ninth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt.

Though the Divine Valley of the Nine Heavens had declined from its peak, they remained a force to be reckoned with, possessing an Eighth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt. Their foundation was comparable to that of her mother’s sect, the Immortal Sect of Sacred Fire.

Xing Caijian could dismiss the Heavenloss Master of the Sword Sect of Yang Soul helping Jian Chen, but if the Divine Valley of the Nine Heavens was backing him, the situation took on a much heavier significance.

As Zuo Dao revealed his ties to the Divine Valley of the Nine Heavens, the various masters of the medicinal gardens turned their heads, many adopting a more cautious stance.

The Scholar Capital Master had no desire for a prolonged debate with Zuo Dao. He returned his focus to Jian Chen and demanded, “Is the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing on your person?”

“It is true that I obtained the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing. However, Scholar Capital Master, if you expect me to hand it over, I must decline,” Jian Chen replied calmly.

“That fruit is of critical importance to me. If you surrender the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing, I am prepared to trade items of equivalent value for it!” The Scholar Capital Master locked eyes with Jian Chen. He compared the young man before him to the final images captured by the soul wisp he had stationed in the Skyscraping World.

He suspected that the person who broke the concealment formation was standing right there. Despite the change in appearance and aura, the underlying demeanor felt familiar.

However, the absence of the Thousand Soul Demon Exalt made him hesitate, preventing him from reaching a definitive conclusion.

The formation banners he had utilized to hide the fruit were of exceptional quality and were considered treasures even by his standards. He was eager to reclaim those lost banners as well.

“The Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing is no longer available.” Jian Chen looked at the Scholar Capital Master with a peculiar expression.

“W-what? Gone?” The Scholar Capital Master’s pupils contracted violently. He stared at Jian Chen in pure shock, unable to accept such a revelation.

He had spent years waiting anxiously outside the Skyscraping World, plagued by the fear that the fruit might be consumed inside. To his horror, his worst nightmare had manifested.

Without that fruit, the artifact spirit of the Divine Sword of the Immortal Soul could not be restored. Consequently, he would be unable to master the Immortal Soul Annihilation technique through the spirit.

The only Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing of sufficient grade to mend the Divine Sword was the one from the Skyscraping World.

Other such fruits in the Immortals’ World were either too low in quality to be effective or were strictly controlled by the Immortal Sect of Myriad Swords.

In fact, the Immortal Sect of Myriad Swords tended to monopolize even the inferior grades of the fruit.

It was no exaggeration to say that the Scholar Capital Master had virtually no other way to acquire a replacement if this specific fruit was lost.

His only other option would be to attempt to steal from the Immortal Sect of Myriad Swords, a risk that would surely lead to his demise.

Suddenly, a wave of murderous intent erupted from the Scholar Capital Master. His eyes became bloodshot as he glared at Jian Chen with chilling hatred.

“You miserable brat, how dare you consume the Spiritual Fruit of Sword Nurturing! Do you have any concept of the effort I invested in that fruit? Do you know the staggering price I paid? I even turned my back on the war in the Modest Silence Heaven, standing guard here for years just to reclaim it, and yet you… you actually used it…”

“Argh! I will slaughter you!” The Scholar Capital Master snapped. His aura surged violently, and the pressure of a Sixth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt rocked the area, warping space and forcing the nearby Immortal Exalts to retreat.

In a fit of rage, he struck out. His palm tore through the void, hurtling toward Jian Chen with world-shaking power.

His long years of waiting had resulted in nothing. The loss of the fruit was a blow he could not endure. In his madness, he didn't even care about Jian Chen’s background. His only desire was to pulverize the person who destroyed his hopes and make him suffer an agonizing end.

At that moment, the Illusion-condensing Master aboard the nearby immortal vessel paused and looked up. His gaze pierced through the vessel, landing directly on Xing Caijian and Jian Chen.

Simultaneously, the Heavenloss Master’s face turned pale. He could feel the lethal threat emanating from the Scholar Capital Master’s strike.

If that palm landed, he would be left on the brink of death even if he managed to survive the initial impact.