The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2661 - 2636: Sword God Family—One Sword Shakes the Heavens!

"The Northern Continent, the lofty peak of the firmament, within the Sword God Family, a single sword mastery subjugates the heavens!"

Lin Bai's brow furrowed as he directed his gaze toward Ban Ye.

Ban Ye let out a chuckle, stating, "The Sword God Family stands as an ancient, supreme lineage on the Barbaric Ancient Continent, its origins stretching back to the dawn of time!"

"Throughout the ages, with the evolution of martial prowess, the Sword God Family has consistently nurtured exceptional talents. All swordsmanship cultivators beneath the heavens consider it an honor to be affiliated with them. Countless martial artists, in times past, journeyed to the Northern Continent, harboring the fervent hope of being accepted into the Sword God Family's ranks!"

"However, the Sword God Family selectively accepts only those warriors who possess extraordinary talent in swordsmanship. Many aspirants, failing to meet the stringent criteria, refused to relinquish their aspirations, instead resorting to reckless displays before the Sword God Family's gates!"

"Over time, this behavior became tiresome for the elders of the Sword God Family, prompting them to declare their seclusion from the world!"

"They sealed their mountain gates, and from that moment onward, it became exceptionally arduous for martial artists on the Barbaric Ancient Continent to gain entry into the Sword God Family!"

"The Sword God Family issued a decree: any who dared to trespass would face annihilation by a myriad of swords!"

"Subsequently, martial artists across the Barbaric Ancient Continent rarely encountered the Sword God Family, and to this day, many remain unaware of the family's exact whereabouts. "

"Yet, they hold one certainty: it resides on the Northern Continent, at the apex of the firmament, where the Sword God Family wields its singular sword to command the heavens!"

"Consequently, the inhabitants of the Northern Continent firmly believe the Sword God Family is situated at the very peak of the firmament!"

"As for its precise location? That remains an enigma to all."

Ban Ye concluded with a smile.

After absorbing Ban Ye's explanation, Lin Bai remarked calmly, "So, if the Sword God Family does not seek us out, it proves exceedingly difficult for us to enter their domain?"

Ban Ye offered a simple nod in affirmation.

Lin Bai inquired further, "Are there no alternative avenues to reach the Sword God Family?"

Ban Ye responded, "There is indeed one path!"

Intrigued, Lin Bai pressed, "And what path is that?"

Ban Ye grinned, replying, "Should you be a warrior personally invited by the Sword God Family!"

Lin Bai's brow furrowed in thought, murmuring, "What do you mean by that?"

Ban Ye elaborated, "Esteemed junior, as I previously stated, the Sword God Family has closed its gates, yet they are not entirely indifferent to the outside world!"

"Within the Sword God Family exists a specialized contingent tasked with identifying exceptional swordsmanship talents across the Barbaric Ancient Continent. Upon receiving their recognition, one is granted an invitation!"

"Then, you may naturally proceed to the Sword God Family for your cultivation!"

"From that point forward, you shall also be recognized as a disciple of the Sword God Family!"

"Generally, the Sword God Family tends to recruit more talents from the Northern Continent, with fewer disciples hailing from the Eastern, Southern, and Western Continents, as well as the Central Holy Nation!"

"This is largely because the East Continent boasts a paramount power known as the East Continent Academy, rivaling the Sword God Family in its profoundness!"

"The Southern Continent is home to the Poison God Clan, the Western Continent houses the formidable Buddhism Sect, and the Central Holy Nation requires no further introduction, as its most gifted individuals are invariably drawn to its own prestigious institutions!"

"On the Eastern, Southern, and Western Continents, unless an individual possesses an unyielding devotion to swordsmanship, they seldom consider leaving their ancestral lands to join the Sword God Family!"

"Consequently, for the past millennium, the Sword God Family has predominantly focused its recruitment efforts on the Northern Continent!"

Ban Ye concluded with his characteristic smile.

Lin Bai posed another question, "Then, how does one receive an invitation from the Sword God Family? Is it possible to locate an intermediary for the Sword God Family within the Northern Continent?"

Ban Ye shook his head, replying, "Nay, only the Sword God Family itself holds the knowledge of such contacts!"

"Young brother, if your heart is set on joining the Sword God Family, the method is remarkably straightforward!"

"Simply establish your renown throughout the Northern Continent and achieve unparalleled feats in swordsmanship; you need not seek out the Sword God Family's representatives – they will invariably find you!"

Ban Ye stated with a knowing smile.

"I see," Lin Bai responded, a newfound understanding dawning upon him.

Ban Ye continued his narrative, "About a year ago, on the lands of the Northern Continent, there emerged an unparalleled prodigy named Li Wenyuan. Born with an Emperor-grade Martial Soul, he awakened it at eighteen, ascended to celestial realms at twenty, and reached the Death Reversal Realm by the age of twenty-one!"

"Furthermore, he successively vanquished thirteen formidable opponents across different cultivation realms, capturing the attention of the Sword God Family. A year prior, he was cordially invited to cultivate at the Peak of the Firmament by the esteemed Sword God Family!"

Lin Bai listened, nodding silently to the unfolding tale.

Ban Ye elaborated further, "Furthermore, the ancient country of Lounan, specifically within Sky Sword City, periodically hosts a Martial Arts Competition for Sword Cultivators. Those warriors who achieve exceptional feats in this contest are then extended invitations by the esteemed Sword God Family!"

Lin Bai's brow furrowed. "Pray tell, what exactly is this Sky Sword City Competition?"

Ban Ye explained, "It's rumored that this competition is secretly orchestrated by the Sword God Family itself. Its primary aim is to provide a pathway for warriors who may not possess extraordinary innate talent to still gain entry into the Sword God Family!"

"Young brother, you must understand that not every warrior across the land is blessed with an Emperor-grade Martial Soul like Li Wenyuan from birth. A great many possess Martial Souls of Heaven-level or Earth-grade..."

"Yet, their dedication to the Dao of the Sword is fervent, and their aspiration to join the Sword God Family remains unyielding!"

"However, under normal circumstances, the Sword God Family tends to dismiss such individuals. Hence, they organize this grand competition as a means to discover potential."

"Should you demonstrate remarkable prowess in the competition, the Sword God Family will still extend an invitation!"

"But the perils involved are immense!"

Ban Ye clicked his tongue, a hint of awe in his voice.

Lin Bai inquired further, "What makes it so dangerous?"

Ban Ye elucidated, "Sky Sword City is situated deep within the Yunmeng Marsh of Lounan Ancient Country. This treacherous area is plagued by poisonous mists and venomous insects capable of instantly killing those in the Death Reversal Realm. Moreover, formidable Demon Beasts, comparable to those in the Wending Realm, roam freely within its borders!"

"It is a veritable forbidden zone, a graveyard for the unprepared!"

"Most ordinary warriors shun such a place. To even reach Sky Sword City, one must first brave the perilous journey through Yunmeng Marsh."

"Throughout the years, of the countless warriors who set out with the intention of participating in the Sky Sword City Martial Arts Competition, a staggering two-thirds perish within Yunmeng Marsh. Only a select few ever set foot in Sky Sword City."

"And those who manage to survive the deadly Yunmeng Marsh and reach Sky Sword City, how could they possibly be considered ordinary?"

"The true challenge lies in not only surviving but also in emerging victorious against this elite group of survivors. Only then can one hope to receive the Sword God Family's coveted invitation."

"The difficulty of this feat is nearly insurmountable, akin to ascending to the very heavens!"

Ban Ye shook his head, his words laced with a sense of resignation.

"Despite the daunting odds, every year, the Sky Sword City Competition draws countless warriors from every corner of the Barbaric Ancient Continent. They come with the fervent hope of using this as their ultimate chance to enter the Sword God Family and commence their cultivation journey."

"It is not merely those from the Barbaric Ancient Continent; Sword Cultivators from the Northern Continent also eagerly participate each year!"

"It has evolved into a matter of immense pride and prestige to even step foot within Sky Sword City. Many Sword Cultivators embark on this journey solely for the sake of reaching Sky Sword City."

"Simply setting foot in Sky Sword City is a testament to their extraordinary strength and skill, naturally leading to widespread fame across the Northern Continent!"

Ban Ye concluded his explanation.

As Lin Bai absorbed Ban Ye's calm yet profound exposition, he finally grasped the immense difficulty of gaining entry into the Sword God Family.

One either possessed unparalleled innate talent in swordsmanship, being a peerless Tianjiao born under a lucky star.

Or one had to brave the treacherous Yunmeng Marsh, reach the legendary Sky Sword City, and after vanquishing all rivals, earn an invitation from the Sword God Family.

Both paths, he realized with a sigh, were as improbable as reaching the heavens!