Sect Discusses Danger, Zhao Family Schemes Amidst Surging Undercurrents

As the faint purple halo of the spatial rift dissipated over the Miasma Forest, Elder Liu and over a dozen inner disciples were already waiting outside. Seeing Ling Yun and the others emerge, he quickly stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the wounds on their bodies before finally settling on the Sky-Rending Sword in Ling Yun's hand, which glowed with a faint silver-red light. He raised an eyebrow, "Was the trip to the secret realm smooth? How is Elder Zhang's injury?"

"We did not fail our mission; the Dragon Origin Fruit has been obtained," Steward Wang stepped forward and cupped his hands, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. "However, we encountered a Poisonous Miasma Twin-Headed Python on the way. Elder Zhang was entangled by its body and is seriously injured, requiring over a month of rest. What's more troublesome is that a demonic cultivator appeared at the exit of the secret realm. He was dressed in black, his sword exuded demonic energy, and he claimed to be affiliated with the Blood Fiend Hall. He even attempted to ambush Ling Yun."

"Blood Fiend Hall?" Elder Liu's expression changed drastically, and the sect token in his hand almost slipped. "That is an evil cultivator force in the Spirit Realm that makes a living by devouring Sword Souls. How could it appear in a secret realm in the mortal realm? This matter is definitely not a coincidence. We must report it to the Sect Master immediately and convene a sect elder meeting to discuss it."

As he spoke, two inner disciples stepped forward with a stretcher, carefully lifting the unconscious Elder Zhang and Li Yan away. Murong Shuang walked to Ling Yun's side and whispered, "Your sword has changed quite a bit. You must have gained some fortuitous encounter in the secret realm? And the Sword Intent on your body... you're already in the Great Swordsman Realm, aren't you?"

Ling Yun nodded slightly and summoned a wisp of crimson Sword Intent. The flame on his fingertip flickered, yet it did not scorch the surrounding vegetation—this was proof of his more proficient control over fire-attribute Sword Intent after his breakthrough. "I discovered an Ancient Sword Cultivator Ruins deep within the secret realm and obtained the Sword Soul origin of the Primordial Sword. That's how the Sky-Rending Sword awakened new sword patterns. Additionally, I found a sword sheath fragment pointing towards the Myriad Sword Cave in the Spirit Realm."

A hint of admiration flashed in Murong Shuang's eyes, but she asked no further. She knew Ling Yun's reserved nature and his reluctance to boast about his fortuitous encounters. She only mused in her heart: With such talent and fortune, it wouldn't be long before she was far surpassed by him.

As the group returned, carriages were already prepared outside the Miasma Forest. Ling Yun sat inside the carriage and had just closed his eyes to circulate his Chaos Sword Body to refine his Sword Intent when the Sword Elder's voice echoed in his dantian: "That demonic cultivator's appearance was no coincidence. Although the demonic energy on him was faint, it carried the Blood Fiend Hall's 'Soul Erosion Seal.' He must have been targeting the aura of the Primordial Sword. The residual soul imprint on your forehead has not been fully digested yet. You must be more careful in the future and avoid letting them detect your whereabouts."

"Why would the Blood Fiend Hall be interested in ancient ruins in the mortal realm?" Ling Yun asked in his mind.

"The mortal realm was once the cultivation ground of the Ancient Sword God, and it holds clues to many Sword Soul origins. Since the Blood Fiend Hall cannot find the entrance to the Myriad Sword Cave in the Spirit Realm, they intend to try their luck in the mortal realm," the Sword Elder's voice carried a hint of worry. "What's more troublesome is that the Zhao Family might already be colluding with the Blood Fiend Hall. When the Ling Family was annihilated, Zhao Kun was able to cultivate the Sword Devouring Art so quickly, likely with the help of demonic cultivators."

The hand holding the Sky-Rending Sword suddenly tightened, and the silver-red sword patterns on the sword's surface gave off a cold light. He recalled the bones of his clansmen on Burial Sword Slope three years ago, and the strange black energy that had coiled around Zhao Kun during his cultivation. The killing intent in his heart surged like an undercurrent, but he forcibly suppressed it. He had just broken through to the Great Swordsman Realm, while Zhao Kun was already in the Sword Emperor Realm. A direct confrontation would be like trying to hit a rock with an egg. He needed to become stronger before he could seek revenge.

By the time the carriage entered the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's mountain gate, dusk had already settled. In the sect's plaza, many disciples were gathered around the notice board, discussing animatedly. Seeing Ling Yun and the others return, the crowd instantly fell silent, their gazes fixed on Ling Yun. The news of him defeating Murong Shuang during the Sword Tower Trial had already spread throughout the sect. Now that he had returned safely from the secret realm and broken through his cultivation, the onlookers' eyes held both awe and a degree of curiosity.

As he approached the "Flowing Cloud Pavilion" where inner disciples resided, a figure in green emerged from the corridor, carrying a medicine box. It was Su Qingyuan. Seeing the bloodstains on Ling Yun, she quickly stepped forward, reaching out as if to touch his arm, but then paused slightly. She said softly, "I heard you encountered demonic beasts, so I specially stewed some 'Calm Heart Grass Soup' to help alleviate Sword Intent fluctuations. I also brought some medicinal ointment for healing."

Ling Yun looked at the worry in her eyes and felt a warmth spread through his heart. Since the annihilation of the Ling Family, Su Qingyuan was one of the few people who still treated him with genuine sincerity. He took the medicine box, his voice a little gentler than usual, "Thank you. My injuries are not serious, just a slight depletion of Sword Intent. Why are you at the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect?"

"The Medicine Immortal Valley has trade relations with your sect for medicinal herbs. I came with my master to deliver a batch of 'Miasma Avoiding Pills' and happened to hear that you were returning from the secret realm," Su Qingyuan lowered her gaze, her fingertips gently stroking the edge of the medicine box. "Oh, right, you've broken through to the Great Swordsman Realm. Have you encountered any bottlenecks in cultivating the Qiankun Sword Canon? I have a copy of 'Notes on Guiding Sword Intent' left by my master here, which might be helpful to you."

As she spoke, she took out a yellowed silk booklet from her sleeve and handed it to Ling Yun. The handwriting on the booklet was delicate, and it even contained a few dried Calm Heart Grass leaves, clearly organized by her. Ling Yun took the booklet, his fingertips brushing against her palm. Both of them were startled for a moment. Su Qingyuan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned to say, "I'll head back to the guest quarters now. Remember to take your medicine on time."

Watching her hasty departure, Ling Yun clutched the booklet in his hand. The six-colored Sword Intent Pearl in his dantian slowly calmed its agitation—this was the Chaos Sword Body's natural reaction to sensing goodwill. It was also the first time he felt that besides revenge and the path of the sword, there was warmth in the world worth cherishing.

Meanwhile, in the Zhao Family mansion in Qingfeng Town, Qingyun Region, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost frozen. Zhao Kun sat in the main seat, the teacup in his hand creaking as he gripped it. Below him knelt a black-robed cultivator, the very demonic cultivator who had ambushed Ling Yun at the exit of the secret realm.

"You're saying that Ling Yun not only broke through to the Great Swordsman Realm but also obtained the fortuitous encounter of an ancient sword cultivator?" Zhao Kun's voice was icy, and the killing intent in his eyes was almost overflowing. "I didn't completely eliminate him three years ago, and now he's actually gained power!"

"Please calm your anger, Patriarch," the black-robed cultivator's forehead was beaded with cold sweat. "Ling Yun has the residual soul imprint of the Primordial Sword on him. The Master of the Blood Fiend Hall has already issued an order for us to keep him stable for now. After we uncover the clues to the Myriad Sword Cave, we will eliminate him and the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect together. Also, next month is the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's Grand Competition. Patriarch can use this opportunity to collude with other families to provoke trouble. If Ling Yun can be killed during the competition, it will eliminate a future threat and allow us to seize the fortuitous encounter on him."

A calculating glint flashed in Zhao Kun's eyes. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "This plan is feasible. I have already sent people to contact the Black Wind Stockade and the Blazing Fire Gate. They have long been dissatisfied with the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect monopolizing the secret realm resources of Qingyun Region. As long as we offer them significant benefits, they will definitely send troops to assist. As for Ling Yun... during the Grand Competition, I will have my son, Zhao Hao, personally take action and kill him with the Sword Devouring Art. This will establish our might and allow us to seize his Chaos Sword Body!"

The black-robed cultivator quickly kowtowed. "Patriarch is wise! Once this matter is accomplished, the Master of the Blood Fiend Hall will surely reward Patriarch with a superior demonic technique to help him break through to the late stage of the Sword Emperor Realm!"

Zhao Kun snorted coldly and waved for the black-robed cultivator to withdraw. He stood alone by the window, gazing in the direction of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Ling Family remnant, you were fortunate to escape back then. Now, I will let you die in the Grand Competition, and let the entire Qingyun Region know that anyone who opposes the Zhao Family will only meet their death!"

As the night deepened, in Ling Yun's room at the Flowing Cloud Pavilion, he was flipping through the 'Notes on Guiding Sword Intent' given by Su Qingyuan by candlelight. The annotations on the silk booklet were detailed, and they also marked the methods for guiding different attribute Sword Intents, clearly indicating that Su Qingyuan had put a lot of thought into it. He circulated the Qiankun Sword Canon and followed the methods in the booklet to guide his fire-attribute Sword Intent. The crimson Sword Intent in his dantian indeed became more docile, and its flow with the other five attributes became smoother.

"This Su girl is quite thoughtful," the Sword Elder's voice carried a hint of amusement. "Her Wood Spirit Body is best at harmonizing Sword Intent. If you encounter bottlenecks in your cultivation in the future, having her help can save you a lot of detours. However, the most urgent matter now is the Grand Competition next month—Zhao Kun will definitely not let this opportunity pass and will send people to attack you."

Ling Yun closed the booklet, his gaze falling on the moonlight outside the window. The Sky-Rending Sword trembled slightly in its sheath, as if echoing his fighting spirit. "I know. The Grand Competition is not only an opportunity to seize a spot as a core inner disciple but also the first step in settling accounts with the Zhao Family. If Zhao Hao dares to come, I will make sure he never returns!"

As the candlelight flickered, Ling Yun's silhouette was cast on the wall, tall and resolute. He knew that a greater storm was brewing in the Qingyun Region, and he had to grow stronger as soon as possible to protect those he cherished in this storm, avenge his clansmen, and embark on the path to the Spirit Realm.