Fang Changlong thought for a moment and shook his head at the disciple who came to report: "Go and tell the Rumen people, I’m not seeing anyone."

The disciple turned and left, but soon returned again, carrying something in his hand.

"Sect Master, this is something the Rumen people wanted me to give to you. They said you would be interested after seeing it." The disciple respectfully presented the Jade Slip to Fang Changlong.

Fang Changlong frowned slightly, took the Jade Slip, and checked it, showing a hint of confusion and surprise on his face.

"Bring them in." This time, Fang Changlong did not refuse again.

"All of you, leave for now." Fang Changlong waved his hand, dismissing everyone else, leaving him alone in the hall.

Soon, the disciple who brought the news escorted the Rumen person inside.

The visitor was surprising—an unexpected woman, exceptionally beautiful, rarely seen in the world.

Though she looked young, the allure in her eyebrows was not something a young girl should possess, clearly indicating she wasn’t as young as she seemed.

Fang Changlong recognized her, his expression turning somewhat unnatural because this woman was a Great Longevity.

Situ Yue of Rumen!

Once during the start of the great war between two lands, she battled the Three Emperors alongside Buddha Head and Cangyunzi, known as a renowned master among the three sects. Afterward, she was injured and seldom appeared.

"Situ Yue, you visit me and even say it can ensure that a swordsman from my Haoran Sword Sect can secure a place on the Sword Head List. What do you mean by this?" Fang Changlong’s tone was mild, without fear of Situ Yue. After all, in terms of cultivation, Fang Changlong was no weaker than Situ Yue. Moreover, the outcome of the war between the two lands slightly favored the Nine Countries, so Fang Changlong positioned himself above Situ Yue.

Situ Yue lightly spoke: "Your sect’s swordsmen are strong, but it seems this time securing a place on the Sword Head List poses some difficulty. Sect Master Fang should also realize that the failure on the Talent Sword Head List has made Sect Master Fang understand some things."

Fang Changlong laughed: "Oh? Then tell me, what have I understood?"

Situ Yue said plainly: "It’s not just your sect’s swordsmen; swordsmen from various other forces face the greatest enemy if they want to secure a position on the Sword Head List."

After speaking, Situ Yue looked at Fang Changlong, who showed a slight change in expression, remained silent, and didn’t respond to Situ Yue’s words.

Situ Yue continued undisturbed: "In the Sky Swallowing Palace, besides that Cao Xuesheng, there are even more formidable swordsmen. For instance, Nangong Shoujian, who claimed first place on the Talent Sword Head List eight hundred years ago. His sword knowledge has reached an unmatched level. Does your sect’s swordsman have the confidence to surpass Nangong Shoujian?"

"That’s not for you to worry about. I’m confident in my disciples." Fang Changlong replied with some displeasure, maintaining a face of confidence regardless of his true feelings.

Situ Yue’s expression was indifferent: "Aside from Nangong Shoujian, there is a more powerful swordsman in the Sky Swallowing Palace. Few know about them in the Nine Countries, but my Rumen is well aware."

"Haha, if even my Nine Countries don’t know much, how does your Rumen know? Could Rumen have insiders within the Sky Swallowing Palace?" Fang Changlong spoke mockingly, clearly skeptical of Situ Yue’s words.

Situ Yue lightly laughed: "Because that person once belonged to my Rumen."

Upon hearing this, Fang Changlong was surprised. Someone from the Rumen in the Sky Swallowing Palace? What does this mean?

Situ Yue took out another Jade Slip, handed it to Fang Changlong, and said: "Sect Master Fang can look at the records in this Jade Slip. The method to counter that Sky Swallowing Palace swordsman is inside."

Fang Changlong hesitated for a moment but eventually took the Jade Slip.

A moment later, surprise appeared on Fang Changlong’s face, with a bit of doubt, and he gave Situ Yue a deep look.

"Rumen Heaven Earth Sword?" Fang Changlong asked.

Situ Yue nodded: "That person hails from the Rumen Heaven Earth Sword lineage, with profound sword mastery surpassing Nangong Shoujian. Aside from the swordsmen in the Sealing Sword Pavilion, it’s hard to find anyone among the Nine Countries Seven Seas who could rival him in Sword Tao."

After pausing, Situ Yue continued: "But since he is from the Heaven Earth Sword, Rumen understands how to counter Heaven Earth Sword techniques. If Sect Master Fang conveys the method in the Jade Slip to his disciples, there would likely be a seventy percent chance of victory if they encounter that Sky Swallowing Palace swordsman."

Fang Changlong held the Jade Slip, with an uncertain look on his face, seemingly contemplating whether to enact the method detailed within.

Yet, deep down, Fang Changlong was wary of the Sky Swallowing Palace. If they found out about collusion with the three sects, there would be dire consequences.

Especially since the Haoran Sword Sect had already experienced some friction with the Sky Swallowing Palace before. Though the issue had passed, Fang Changlong was reluctant to encounter any more conflict with the Sky Swallowing Palace, be it openly or covertly.

"Sect Master Fang, this method isn’t only given to your sect; other sword sects in the Nine Countries will receive the same Jade Slip, so you needn’t worry too much." Situ Yue spoke, seeing through Fang Changlong’s concerns.

Upon hearing this, Fang Changlong finally made up his mind, gritted his teeth, and accepted the Jade Slip.

Seeing this, Situ Yue inwardly smirked, turned, and prepared to leave.

"I have another concern," Fang Changlong suddenly said.

Situ Yue paused and said, "Sect Master Fang, please feel free to ask."

"What if this method doesn’t work?" Fang Changlong asked.

Situ Yue smiled: "Sect Master Fang can rest assured, Rumen has great understanding of the Heaven Earth Sword. As long as your sect’s swordsmen follow the methodology in the Jade Slip, it will be effective."

After speaking, Situ Yue left, not lingering any longer.

Similarly, other Rumen members traveled around, delivering the same Jade Slip to the leaders of those sword sects in the Nine Countries.

And through all this, the Sealing Sword Pavilion watched but said nothing, and certainly did not intervene.

···

On the Ask Sword Platform, many swordsmen gathered again, but this time they weren’t young swordsmen; they were swordsmen from all over the Nine Countries Seven Seas. There was no age limit. Anyone who was a swordsman could step onto the Ask Sword Platform.

Thus, the Ask Sword Platform was brimming with talent: elderly figures with gray hair, vigorous youths, reserved and steady middle-aged individuals, and even a considerable number of female swordsmen.

Within this gathering were three figures from the Sky Swallowing Palace: Jian Angxing, wearing a Phoenix Head Mask, Nangong Shoujian, wearing a White Crane Mask, and Cao Xuesheng, who shone brightly on the Talent Sword Head List.

ps: Second update is here; I’ll write another before I go out for a massage.