The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings

Chapter 2002: Chapter 1948–1949: Bai Qicang’s Tao Certifying, Sword Slays Zhu Jiuyin

“Has Bai Qicang truly ascended to Taoist Monarch?” murmured a powerful figure in shock.

They found it surprising since there had been no information about this, nor had they heard about any preparations for his breakthrough, so how did he suddenly achieve Taoist Monarch status?

“Bai Qicang becoming a Taoist Monarch is nothing! He’s been called the foremost figure below Taoist Monarch level, and he once stood shoulder to shoulder with Emperor Wenchang. The strange thing is that he hasn’t become a Taoist Monarch in all these years,” another strong figure scoffed, dismissing it as no surprise at all.

Many powerful figures weren’t shocked by the news of Bai Qicang’s ascension; on the contrary, they found it perfectly natural.

As a once mighty figure, Bai Qicang had kept a low profile over the years. In the eyes of the younger generation of powerful figures, he might have seemed like a relic of the past. But to the older generation, especially those who had personally witnessed Bai Qicang’s overwhelming victories, he had never truly receded.

The powerhouses were well aware of the Taoist School’s protector spirit deity’s news. In particular, they understood why Bai Qicang, who had partnered with Emperor Wenchang, had remained at the True Immortal Sixth Layer without advancing to Taoist Monarch.

In the minds of these powerhouses, among the many True Immortals of the Sixth Layer, Bai Qicang had always been one of the top contenders to ascend to Taoist Monarch.

Especially after seeing Zhao Baiyang, the Purgatory Demon Monarch, the Ten Thousand Beasts Demon Monarch, the True Martial Emperor, and the Da Xue Country Lord, among others, one after another making their moves to become Taoist Monarchs, while Bai Qicang remained silent, they found it extremely unusual and wondered if something was occurring.

Now, witnessing the terrifying talisman sword slicing through the sky and piercing the chaos, feeling that unparalleled, dreadful aura, these powerhouses found this development to be fitting at last.

Beginning at the Seventh Level of the Spirit Realm, every cultivator had to gradually forge their unique path on the road of cultivation, avoiding becoming ensnared by the shackles left by their predecessors.

While the experience left by past cultivators could undoubtedly save them countless efforts, the further the predecessors advanced, the quicker this shortcut is traveled, binding them more tightly as they approach future obstacles.

If even at the True Immortal level, a powerful figure couldn’t carve out their unique path, their achievements would be limited, and they would never qualify to become a Taoist Monarch.

Bai Qicang, as the Ancestor Celestial Master’s most outstanding disciple, possessed undeniable talent and aptitude; from the Ancestor Celestial Master’s Talismanic Skill, Thunder Method, and Swordsmanship, he had carved out his own Talisman Sword Skill. The talisman sword became his unique symbol.

While everyone was abuzz with varied expressions over Bai Qicang’s ascension to Taoist Monarch status, an astonishing talisman sword cleaved through the void, descending toward Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch amidst battle.

“What’s the reason for this?”

Many people were utterly astonished, not understanding why he would suddenly intervene in this conflict.

“Recall it was the incident of the Five Old Lords attacking the previous Wood Virtue Star Lord that led to a fierce battle between Bai Qicang and Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch, though it ended inconclusively. Could Bai Qicang now be choosing to reengage in this battle?” someone speculated, recalling the past clash between Bai Qicang and Zhu Jiuyin, which had been halted by a Taoist Monarch without determining a victor.

“But just ascending as a Taoist Monarch and then targeting Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch, knowing this Zhu Jiuyin hasn’t yet become a Taoist Monarch — isn’t that a bit overbearing?” some powerful figures frowned, perceiving Bai Qicang’s move as breaking protocol since Zhu Jiuyin had not yet achieved Taoist Monarch status in their eyes.

“Hmm?”

However, some Taoist Monarchs had eyes filled with inquisitive expressions. They had long suspected Zhu Jiuyin’s exhibited battle strength without having solid certainty.

Seeing Bai Qicang act so decisively, they felt more assured. With his personality, if he wasn’t confident, he definitely wouldn’t act so rashly.

Not only were the spectators utterly shocked, but even Zhu Jiuyin, who was engaged with Pang Hong and the Law Enforcement Heavenly Monarch, was caught off guard with surprise in his eyes.

Bai Qicang ascended to Taoist Monarch, and without any pause, he aimed his attack at himself, a possibility that never appeared in his evaluations.

Everything in his assessments was now going awry, and ever since Longevity Taoist Monarch dispatched Pang Hong to strike against him, the course had veered off their original planned trajectory.

If Zhu Jiuyin had been able to easily suppress Pang Hong and the Law Enforcement Heavenly Monarch without revealing his true strength…

…but now, as Bai Qicang made his move, Zhu Jiuyin understood he had no choice but to counter.

A Taoist Monarch is a Taoist Monarch; even a newly established one displays terrifying battle power, and even more so one like Bai Qicang with deeply rooted foundations, showing fearsome might that no ordinary newly ascended Taoist Monarch could match.

The talisman sword broke through, emerging from the void, and swung towards Zhu Jiuyin. This strike was elusive and mysterious, initially appearing simple but continuously gathering force, carrying celestial punishment intent, aiming to erase Zhu Jiuyin from existence.

“Ancestor Witch, watch out!” cried out a mighty Witch Deity Teaching great witch.

This sword, imbued with a chilling murderous intent, seemed intent on claiming Zhu Jiuyin’s life, as the talisman sword cut forth, vast and imposing, slicing through the heavens toward Zhu Jiuyin’s head. As the sword’s light manifested, Zhu Jiuyin was fully concentrating on suppressing Pang Hong and the Law Enforcement Heavenly Monarch, entirely unprepared for the appearance of this strike.