DEMON EMPEROR

CHAPTER 9: History of the Earth and Sky Sword Sect

After the Master and Disciple left the Golden Pagoda Inn and walked back to the Earth and Sky Sword Sect, they encountered no significant obstacles. Only attacks from wild beasts and attempted robberies, all of which Wong An was able to overcome.

After a three-day journey, Wong An and Ba Bel finally arrived at a valley formerly known as the Valley of Solitude. They saw a Black and White Gate inscribed with 'Earth and Sky Sword Sect'.

“Bel’er, look,” Wong An said, pointing towards the Earth and Sky Sword Sect Gate. “That is what you will someday call home. The place you return to after an adventure or a mission.”

Although named the Earth and Sky Sword Sect, life within it was like a bustling city with a myriad of activities. Throughout their journey, Wong An recounted the history of the Earth and Sky Sword Sect to Ba Bel for three days and three nights, before the Master and Disciple finally reached the Sect Gate.

Wong An explained that the Earth and Sky Sword Sect itself was said to have been founded by warriors from beyond the plains of the Shu, Wu, and Wei Empires, or the seven nations and kingdoms surrounding these three great Empires.

#Days Before Reaching the Sect Gate

“Bel’er, there’s something you must know before we go any further. The story of this sect, and the two figures who founded the place you will someday call home.”

Ba Bel looked at his master attentively. Wong An’s usually calm voice now held a profound tone, as if each word carried the weight of history.

Wong An took a long breath before beginning his tale.

“This Earth and Sky Sword Sect was founded by two legendary martial artists, Sabeni and Dony. They were not from these lands, but from a distant place, perhaps even another dimension. Sabeni was known as the Blood General, while Dony was dubbed the Demon God. They were true friends, two souls connected yet as different as day and night.”

Wong An closed his eyes, recalling the story passed down to him. With a soft voice, he continued.

“It is said that as they wandered, they found the martial arts world riddled with conflict. Dark and light factions destroyed each other, while the common people suffered. Sabeni and Dony could not stand idly by. With immense power, they razed the vile dark sects and challenged the arrogant leaders of the light factions.” Wong An took a breath before continuing his story.

“However, one incident changed everything. In a small country, they were enjoying lunch when a skirmish between the dark and light factions erupted. A martial artist from the light faction was thrown onto their table, knocking over the food they were eating.”

Wong An looked sharply at Ba Bel, as if to ensure his disciple understood the importance of this tale.

“Dony stared at the martial artist, expecting an apology. But all he received was a sneer. The martial artist, with a haughty tone, called him an ‘ugly demon.’ Dony’s face was indeed terrifying, but his heart was softer than Sabeni’s. Yet, that insult went too far. Sabeni merely remarked casually, ‘Finish your business quickly, I want to resume eating.’”

Wong An’s voice deepened, creating a chilling atmosphere.

“Two breaths, Bel’er. In just two breaths, Dony eliminated all the warring martial artists in that place. Even at their last moments, they didn’t know who had killed them.” Wong An closed his eyes for a moment before continuing his story.

“That slaughter ignited fury. Thousands of martial artists, from both dark and light factions, gathered for revenge. Ten Emperor-level warriors from the light faction and fifteen Emperor-level warriors from the dark faction led the armies. Yet, they all perished within just one hour. Dony and Sabeni destroyed everything.” Wong An concluded his story.

While Ba Bel showed his shock, Wong An added that it was said among the many gathered warriors, ten from the light faction had already broken through to the Emperor realm, and fifteen from the dark faction were also at the Emperor realm.

Ba Bel was stunned, his eyes wide as he heard the tale. “They were so strong… Like gods…”

Ba Bel had actually known this story from his first life, but he chose to remain silent and listen to his Master’s tale, playing the role of a disciple hearing it for the very first time.

Wong An nodded slowly. “Yes, and that’s what made them both revered and feared. After that battle, they forbade the establishment of sects or martial arts teachings in that country. Instead, they provided technology to the government to maintain security.”

Wong An stroked his chin and paused for a moment before continuing, “It is said that the technology given in exchange for Sabeni and Dony devastating the martial arts world in that country was a profoundly alien technology, never before seen or even imagined by the people living at that time. Sabeni and Dony also taught the government how to create these incredibly foreign weapons, and how to acquire the materials for these sophisticated, never-before-seen technological weapons.” Wong An spoke with fervent tones, his face beaming with pride as he recounted this to his disciple.

“Sabeni, who bore the title of Blood General and stood at the pinnacle of martial arts, felt intensely lonely. Therefore, he founded the sect we now know as the Earth and Sky Sword Sect. Dony, on the other hand, secluded himself in the Forbidden Forest, a place now home to terrifying spirit beasts. It is said that ever since Dony retreated into that forest, some martial artists have seen and heard the sounds of Kupeng and Qiling.” Wong An paused for a moment, giving Ba Bel time to absorb the story.

Ba Bel nodded, seemingly absorbing the story Wong An had told.

“Several centuries later, our Sect finally produced a warrior in the Emperor Cultivation Realm, who became the Sect Leader, succeeding Ancestor Sabeni. After stepping down as Sect Leader, Sabeni left the Sect for the Forbidden Forest to meet Dony. Because ever since Dony took residence in the Forbidden Forest, its danger level increased tenfold; there was even an Emperor-level cultivator found gruesomely killed after ten days of venturing deep into the Forbidden Forest. Then, after entering the Forbidden Forest, Ancestor Sabeni and his friend Dony vanished and have never been seen again to this day.” Wong An narrated, occasionally glancing at his disciple’s face.

End of Flashback

Wong An smiled faintly and continued, “Bel’er, this place you are about to enter is more than just a sect. It is home to the legacy of legends, and you bear a great responsibility to uphold its good name.”

Ba Bel nodded to Wong An. “I understand, Master. I will uphold the great name of the Earth and Sky Sword Sect.”

Wong An patted his disciple’s shoulder. “Good. Now, let us continue our journey. The gate is already in sight.”