Rejected at the Sword Gate, Reunion with an Old Friend

The night was black as ink. Along a forest path in the Qingyun Mountain Range, a slender figure sped through the darkness.

Ling Yun kept low, using the cover of towering ancient trees to avoid the Zhao Family patrols ahead. His chest rose and fell slightly. Though he had won his struggle against two Zhao Family Sword Disciples earlier, it had consumed much of his spiritual power. A shallow cut from an enemy blade marked his left arm, blood soaking through his sleeve.

"Though the Chaos Sword Body can accommodate spiritual energy, it must still advance step by step." Sword Elder's voice carried a trace of weariness within his sea of consciousness. "You forcibly drove your spiritual power just now and have already injured your meridians. You need to meditate and recover as soon as possible."

Ling Yun leaned against a tree trunk and circulated the basic cultivation method of the Qiankun Sword Canon. The Sky-Rending Sword in his dantian trembled faintly, releasing black light that flowed through his meridians, clearing away the impure energy that had entered his body. The pain from his wound eased as well. He took out the last half-piece of dry rations from his clothes and wolfed it down. Since fleeing Qingfeng Town last night, he had not eaten a single bite.

"The Zhao Family's search is tighter than I expected." Ling Yun stared at the distant glow of torches, his brow tightly furrowed. "At this rate, I'll probably be caught before I even reach the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect."

Sword Elder fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "The Sky-Rending Sword can conceal your aura, though it will consume a small amount of spiritual power. Circulate your cultivation method. I will help you hide your tracks."

Ling Yun did as instructed. The black light within his dantian suddenly withdrew, and the spiritual power fluctuations around him instantly became no different from those of ordinary grass and trees. He rose and continued onward, his steps light as a butterfly's. Even when he stepped on fallen leaves, he made not the slightest sound—this was the Breath Concealing Steps recorded in the Qiankun Sword Canon. Though merely a basic technique, it was enough to deal with the probing of low-level cultivators.

The following morning, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the canopy, Ling Yun finally emerged from the outskirts of the Qingyun Mountain Range. Between the mist-wreathed peaks ahead, he could vaguely see upturned eaves—the mountain gate of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect.

He straightened his tattered clothes, wiped the mud from his face, took a deep breath, and headed toward the gate. The Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's entrance was guarded by two enormous stone swords. Their blades were carved with ancient sword patterns and emitted faint spiritual power fluctuations. Two disciples in fitted blue garments stood watch at the entrance, swords at their waists and a condensed aura around them. They were actually cultivators at the Early Sword Warrior Stage.

"Who goes there? What is your purpose?" The disciple on the left stepped forward, his sharp gaze sweeping over Ling Yun. Seeing his ragged clothes, a trace of disdain flashed through his eyes.

"This junior is Ling Yun. I have come to register for the outer sect disciple examination." Ling Yun cupped his hands in salute, his tone respectful.

The disciple looked him over from head to toe, then sneered. "You, dressed like some poor wretch, want to join our Flowing Cloud Sword Sect? Go test your spirit root over there first. Don't waste everyone's time."

Ling Yun followed the direction he pointed and saw a blue crystal over a person's height standing in the open space to the right of the gate. It was a Spirit Root Testing Stone. Several youths were lined up for testing. When some placed their hands on the crystal, it shone with dazzling red light and drew praise from the surrounding disciples. Others received no response at all and could only leave with their heads hanging.

"Next." The deacon in charge of the test called out expressionlessly.

Ling Yun stepped forward, took a deep breath, and pressed his right hand against the Spirit Root Testing Stone. He could clearly feel the spiritual power in his dantian surging through his arm and into the crystal, yet the stone remained dim. Not even the faintest glimmer appeared.

"Hm?" The deacon frowned. "Try again."

Ling Yun activated his spiritual power once more. Even the Sky-Rending Sword trembled faintly, attempting to guide his spiritual power into activating the crystal, but the Spirit Root Testing Stone still showed no reaction. Laughter broke out around him, and the disciple who had guarded the gate mocked him loudly, "I told you he was just here to make up the numbers. He doesn't even have a spirit root, yet he wants to cultivate immortality?"

"Those without spirit roots may not enter." The deacon waved a hand, his tone icy. "Leave quickly. Don't block the people behind you."

Ling Yun's heart sank. He knew the Chaos Sword Body was unusual, but he had never expected it to cause the Spirit Root Testing Stone to fail completely. Now, forget taking the examination—he could not even enter the mountain gate, much less join the sect and cultivate.

"Deacon, could you make an exception?" Ling Yun gritted his teeth. "Though this junior has no spirit root, I can cultivate spiritual power. I hope you can give me a chance."

"What a joke!" The deacon's face darkened. "On the path of cultivation, spirit roots are the foundation. Those without them are no different from cripples. How can they cultivate? Keep pestering me, and do not blame me for being rude!"

Just then, a crisp female voice rang out. "Steward Li, wait."

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a young girl in a light green dress hurrying over. She looked about fifteen or sixteen, with delicate features. A medicine basket hung from her waist, and she held a purple spiritual herb in one hand. Faint Wood Attribute spiritual power radiated from her body. When she saw Ling Yun, surprise flashed through her eyes, and she quickly approached.

"Miss Qingyuan?" Steward Li's expression immediately softened upon seeing the girl. "What brings you here?"

This girl was Su Qingyuan, heir to Medicine Immortal Valley. Though Medicine Immortal Valley was not a sword sect, it was skilled in refining spiritual medicines and maintained close ties with the major sects of the Qingyun Region. Even the elders of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect had to show it some respect.

Su Qingyuan ignored Steward Li and went straight to Ling Yun. She studied him carefully, her eyes reddening slightly. "Brother Ling Yun, is it really you?"

Ling Yun was stunned as well. He had never expected to meet Su Qingyuan here. Her father had been an old acquaintance of his own father, and they had often played together as children. But after the Ling Family's disaster three years ago, he had lost contact with Su Qingyuan.

"Sister Qingyuan..." Ling Yun's voice caught. A thousand words clogged his throat, and he did not know what to say.

Su Qingyuan took hold of his arm and turned to Steward Li. "Steward Li, Brother Ling Yun is my friend. He does not lack a spirit root—his constitution is simply special, so the Spirit Root Testing Stone cannot detect it. I hope you can make an exception and allow him to take the examination."

Steward Li looked troubled. "Miss Qingyuan, those are the sect rules. Those without spirit roots may not enter. This puts me in a difficult position as well."

"This is a token from my Medicine Immortal Valley." Su Qingyuan took out a jade pendant engraved with herbal patterns. "Please deliver it to the sect master. Tell him that Su Qingyuan is recommending Brother Ling Yun for admission. If he fails to achieve anything in cultivation in the future, Medicine Immortal Valley is willing to bear all responsibility."

Steward Li accepted the jade pendant. After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded. "Since Miss Qingyuan is vouching for him, I will make an exception this once. But let me make this clear: the outer sect examination is extremely strict. If he fails, no one else can be blamed."

"Thank you, Steward Li." Su Qingyuan smiled.

Ling Yun followed Steward Li toward the outer sect examination grounds. Before he left, Su Qingyuan quietly slipped him a paper packet and whispered, "There's a Qi Gathering Pill inside. It can help stabilize your spiritual power. Be careful during the examination. Don't expose your constitution."

Ling Yun clenched the packet tightly, warmth surging through his heart. In this cultivation world where human warmth and coldness changed at a whim, the affection of an old friend was like a faint glimmer in the darkness, driving away the chill in his heart.

The outer sect examination was held at a broad Training Ground and consisted of three tests: a spiritual power test, sword technique comprehension, and practical combat. Several hundred youths had already gathered on the grounds, each rubbing their fists and flexing their shoulders, their eyes full of anticipation.

The first test was once again spiritual power testing, but this time they used the more precise Spiritual Power Tester. When it was Ling Yun's turn, he placed his hand on the device and deliberately suppressed the traits of his Chaos Sword Body, activating only a small amount of spiritual power. The pointer on the tester trembled slightly before stopping at the Early Sword Disciple Stage mark.

"Only Early Sword Disciple Stage? Looks like he got in through the back door."

"I bet he has never even touched a sword. He'll definitely make a fool of himself in the sword technique test later."

"A connected nobody like him would still be bottom-tier trash even after entering the sect."

The surrounding whispers stabbed into Ling Yun's heart like needles, but he merely clenched his fists and did not argue. Strength was the best proof. No matter how much he said now, it would be useless.

The second test was sword technique comprehension. The examinee had to comprehend and demonstrate the basic sword moves—"chop, thrust, lift, sweep"—within the time it took to drink a cup of tea. The deacon in charge took out a wooden sword and handed it to Ling Yun. "Begin."

Ling Yun took the wooden sword, and the records concerning Basic Sword Intent from the Qiankun Sword Canon instantly surfaced in his mind. Sword Elder's voice rang through his sea of consciousness. "The Chaos Sword Body allows you to instantly understand the essence of sword techniques. You do not need to imitate them deliberately. Simply move as your heart commands."

He took a deep breath and swung the wooden sword. The first move, "chop," descended with the sound of wind. Its angle was tricky and its force steady, far beyond the standard of an ordinary Sword Disciple. The second move, "thrust," was swift as lightning, aimed directly at the center of the wooden stake before him. The "lift" and "sweep" flowed into one another even more smoothly. Though his sword intent had yet to awaken, the beginnings of Basic Sword Intent were already faintly visible.

Surprise flashed through the eyes of the deacon overseeing the test. "Not bad. Your comprehension of sword techniques is acceptable. Pass."

The surrounding discussion quieted somewhat, though it remained full of contempt. With only Early Sword Disciple Stage cultivation, even excellent comprehension of sword techniques could not stir up much of a storm.

For the third test, practical combat, opponents were determined by drawing lots. Ling Yun drew a youth at the Late Stage Sword Apprentice, named Wang Hu. He was tall and powerfully built, with a face full of flesh. He had also mocked Ling Yun more viciously than anyone earlier.

"Kid, you're unlucky to have run into me." Wang Hu held a wooden sword and gave a sinister grin. "I'll show you that trash who came in through the back door has no right to cultivate immortality!"

Ling Yun held his wooden sword, his expression calm. "Make your move."

"Courting death!" Wang Hu roared and thrust his sword straight at Ling Yun's chest. His sword momentum was vicious—he clearly intended to win in a single strike.

Facing the sharp blade, Ling Yun did not panic in the slightest. The sword technique diagrams in his sea of consciousness spun rapidly. He unfolded the Breath Concealing Steps, slipping sideways like a wisp of willow fluff. Wang Hu's sword struck empty air, throwing off his balance and exposing an opening.

"Now!" Sword Elder barked.

Ling Yun's gaze sharpened, and his wooden sword thrust out—the very "thrust" technique he had just comprehended. The strike looked ordinary, but it precisely targeted Wang Hu's sword-wielding wrist. Wang Hu cried out in alarm and hurriedly drew back his sword to block, only to be forced back step after step by Ling Yun's sword momentum. His wooden sword nearly flew from his grasp.

"You dare fight back?" Wang Hu was both shocked and furious. He swung his sword again, his techniques chaotic and disordered. He had clearly been enraged.

Ling Yun dealt with him calmly. Relying on sword technique comprehension far beyond those of his level and nimble footwork, he continuously evaded Wang Hu's attacks while seeking a chance to counterattack. The time it took to drink a cup of tea was nearly up when he suddenly seized an opening. His wooden sword "lifted" and struck Wang Hu's elbow.

"Ah!" Wang Hu cried out in pain, and his wooden sword fell to the ground.

Ling Yun's blade stopped before his throat, his voice cold. "You lost."

The Training Ground instantly fell silent. No one had expected this youth mocked as a "connected nobody" to defeat Wang Hu, a Late Stage Sword Apprentice. The deacon overseeing the examination nodded. "Practical combat, pass."

Ling Yun put away the wooden sword. Ignoring Wang Hu's livid face, he walked straight off the Training Ground. He knew this was only the beginning. The sect life ahead would only grow more difficult.

After the examination ended, the successful disciples were assigned to different outer sect courtyards. Because Ling Yun had the lowest cultivation, he was assigned to the worst one—the Servant Courtyard—where he lived with over a dozen other Early Sword Disciple Stage disciples. The Servant Courtyard's quarters were crude wooden huts that leaked wind from every side. There was not even a Spirit Gathering Array for cultivation, and its resources were pitifully scarce.

"Kid, are you the one who stole my slot?" The moment Ling Yun entered the hut, a youth with a roguish face blocked his path. He was one of Wang Hu's lackeys, Zhao San.

"My slot?" Ling Yun frowned. "Passing the examination depends on strength. How did I steal anything?"

"Strength?" Zhao San sneered. "You're Early Sword Disciple Stage trash. If you had not come in through the back door, how could you possibly have passed? This Servant Courtyard slot was supposed to be mine. Since you got it instead, you need to give me something in return."

"I have nothing for you." Ling Yun tried to walk around him, but Zhao San stretched out an arm to block him.

"Nothing?" Zhao San's face darkened. "Then I'll have to teach you who calls the shots in the Servant Courtyard!" He punched toward Ling Yun's face, his fist cutting through the air. He had clearly received some training himself.

A chill flashed through Ling Yun's eyes. He did not want trouble, but neither was he a soft persimmon for others to squeeze as they pleased. He shifted aside, dodging the fist while grabbing Zhao San's wrist with his right hand and giving it a light twist.

"Ah! It hurts, it hurts!" Zhao San screamed as his wrist twisted out of shape. "Let me go! Otherwise, my big brother Wang Hu won't let you off!"

Ling Yun released him. Zhao San clutched his wrist, shot him a venomous glance, and ran off in a sorry state. The other disciples lowered their heads and did not dare look at Ling Yun again. They had all witnessed the practical combat test earlier. This seemingly frail youth was not easy to provoke.

Late at night, after the other disciples had fallen asleep, Ling Yun quietly came to the open ground outside the wooden hut. He took out the Qi Gathering Pill Su Qingyuan had given him and swallowed it. The pill melted the moment it entered his mouth, and pure spiritual power surged into his dantian.

"The Chaos Sword Body absorbs spiritual energy three times faster than an ordinary person. The Qi Gathering Pill is merely an aid to you." Sword Elder's voice rang out. "Tonight, I will teach you the first level of the Qiankun Sword Canon, the Heaven and Earth First Form. This move appears simple, but it contains the principle of the Five Elements' generation and restraint. It must be driven by Chaos Spiritual Power."

Ling Yun sat cross-legged and circulated the spiritual power in his dantian according to Sword Elder's guidance. The black light emitted by the Sky-Rending Sword merged with the spiritual power of the Qi Gathering Pill, forming a strange vortex. He rose to his feet and swung his sword as he practiced the Heaven and Earth First Form. The instant the blade fell, the spiritual energy around him was actually stirred, forming a faint sword shadow.

"Not bad. You have entered the gate in only one hour." Sword Elder praised him. "But remember this: never use this move before outsiders. The Qiankun Sword Canon is an ancient secret canon. Once exposed, it will bring a disaster that takes your life."

Ling Yun nodded in agreement and continued cultivating. Moonlight spilled over him, while the shadow of his wooden sword stretched across the ground like a dormant sword dragon, waiting for the moment it would soar into the sky.

Just then, faint footsteps sounded. Ling Yun turned alertly and saw Su Qingyuan standing beneath a tree some distance away, carrying a food box, her eyes full of concern.

"Brother Ling Yun, are you still cultivating?" Su Qingyuan walked over and opened the food box. Inside were steaming rice porridge and several small dishes. "I guessed you had not eaten, so I brought you some food."

Warmth filled Ling Yun's heart as he accepted the food box. "Sister Qingyuan, thank you."

"Why be so polite with me?" Su Qingyuan looked at him. "I heard you were assigned to the Servant Courtyard. The conditions there are poor, so I asked someone to get you a Qi Gathering Array Disc. Put it in your quarters, and it will help you cultivate faster." She took out a jade disc the size of her palm and handed it to Ling Yun.

Ling Yun accepted the array disc. A warm, smooth sensation came from its surface, which was covered with Spirit Gathering runes. It was clearly crafted by a high-level cultivator. Knowing it was extremely valuable, he hurriedly tried to refuse it. "Sister Qingyuan, this is too precious. I cannot accept it."

"You must take it." Su Qingyuan insisted. "Brother Ling Yun, I know you bear a Deep Blood Feud. Only by raising your strength as quickly as possible can you take revenge. I cannot help you much, but you must accept this small thing."

Seeing the determination in Su Qingyuan's eyes, Ling Yun no longer refused. He gripped the array disc tightly. "Thank you, Sister Qingyuan. I will remember this kindness."

"We are friends. There is no need to speak of kindness." Su Qingyuan smiled. "It is getting late, so I should return. Be careful in the sect, especially around Wang Hu. He is a distant relative of an Outer Sect Deacon and holds grudges fiercely."

Ling Yun nodded. "I will be careful."

After Su Qingyuan left, Ling Yun returned to the wooden hut and placed the Qi Gathering Array Disc in the corner. Once the disc activated, faint azure spiritual light spread outward, instantly doubling the concentration of spiritual energy in the surroundings. He sat cross-legged and continued cultivating the Qiankun Sword Canon. The spiritual power in his dantian grew increasingly condensed, and he was only one step away from the Mid Stage Sword Apprentice.

The moon outside the window gradually slanted westward. In the silence of the Servant Courtyard, there was only the sound of the wooden sword slicing through the air and the soft whisper of spiritual power circulating. Ling Yun knew that the Servant Courtyard's exclusion, Wang Hu's revenge, and the sect's struggle for resources were merely the first hurdle on his path of cultivation.

But he was not afraid.

A sword in his hand, hatred in his heart, a master in his mind, and a friend by his side.

This time, he would never again allow anyone to bully him. Nor would he let the blood of his parents and clansmen be spilled in vain.

Beneath the night sky of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, blazing fire ignited in the youth's eyes. A legend belonging to the Chaos Sword Body was quietly brewing within the most inconspicuous Servant Courtyard.