When the pale violet glow of the Space Rift faded above Miasma Forest, Elder Liu had already been waiting outside with more than a dozen inner disciples. Seeing Ling Yun and the others emerge, he hurried forward, his gaze sweeping over their wounds before finally settling on the Sky-Rending Sword in Ling Yun's hand, which glimmered with a faint silver-red light. His brows lifted slightly. "Was the journey into the secret realm smooth enough? How are Elder Zhang's injuries?"
"Thankfully, we did not fail. We obtained the Dragon Origin Fruit." Steward Wang stepped forward and cupped his hands, his tone grave. "However, we encountered a Poisonous Miasma Twin-Headed Python along the way. Elder Zhang was constricted by its body, and his injuries are serious. He will need more than a month of rest. More troubling still, a demonic cultivator appeared at the secret realm's exit. He wore black, wielded a sword tainted with demonic qi, claimed to be connected to Blood Fiend Hall, and even attempted to ambush Ling Yun."
"Blood Fiend Hall?" Elder Liu's expression changed drastically, and the sect token in his hand nearly slipped from his grasp. "That is an evil cultivator force from the Spirit Realm, making its living by devouring Sword Souls. Why would they appear in a secret realm of the Mortal Realm? This is absolutely no coincidence. We must report to the Sect Master at once and convene the sect elders to discuss it."
As they spoke, two inner disciples carried stretchers forward and carefully took away the unconscious Elder Zhang and Li Yan. Murong Shuang walked to Ling Yun's side and said softly, "Your sword has changed considerably. You must have encountered some fortuitous opportunity in the secret realm, yes? And your Sword Intent... you've reached the Great Swordsman Realm already, haven't you?"
Ling Yun nodded slightly and raised his hand, summoning a thread of crimson Sword Intent. Flames danced at his fingertips, yet did not scorch the surrounding grass or trees—proof that, after his breakthrough, he had gained far greater control over his Fire-Attribute Sword Intent. "I found an Ancient Sword Cultivator Ruins deep within the secret realm and obtained the Sword Soul Origin of the Primordial Sword. That is why the Sky-Rending Sword awakened new sword patterns. I also found a fragment of a sword sheath pointing toward the Myriad Sword Cave in the Spirit Realm."
A trace of amazement flashed through Murong Shuang's eyes, but she asked no further questions. She knew Ling Yun had a reserved nature and did not wish to flaunt his fortuitous opportunities. Still, she secretly thought, With such talent and fortune, it probably will not be long before he leaves me far behind.
When the group began their return journey, carriages had long been prepared outside Miasma Forest. Ling Yun sat inside one carriage and had only just closed his eyes to circulate his Chaos Sword Body and sort through his Sword Intent when Sword Elder's voice sounded within his dantian. "That demonic cultivator did not appear by chance. The demonic qi on him was faint, but it carried Blood Fiend Hall's Soul-Corroding Seal. He must have come for the aura of the Primordial Sword. The Remnant Soul Imprint between your brows has not yet been fully assimilated. You must be more careful in the future. Do not let them discover your trail."
"Why would Blood Fiend Hall set its sights on an ancient ruin in the Mortal Realm?" Ling Yun asked inwardly.
"The Mortal Realm was once the cultivation ground of the Ancient Sword God, and it conceals many clues regarding Sword Soul Origins. Blood Fiend Hall could not find the entrance to Myriad Sword Cave in the Spirit Realm, so they came to the Mortal Realm to try their luck." Sword Elder's voice carried a measure of concern. "What is even more troublesome is that the Zhao Family may have been colluding with Blood Fiend Hall for a long time. When the Ling Family was annihilated years ago, Zhao Kun was able to quickly cultivate the Sword Devouring Art. There was likely demonic cultivator assistance behind it."
Ling Yun's grip around the Sky-Rending Sword abruptly tightened, and the silver-red sword patterns along its blade gleamed with cold light. He remembered the corpses of his clansmen on Burial Sword Slope three years ago, remembered the eerie black qi coiling around Zhao Kun when he cultivated. Killing intent surged in his heart like an undercurrent, but he forcibly suppressed it. He had only just broken through to the Great Swordsman Realm, while Zhao Kun was already in the Sword Emperor Realm. Facing him head-on would be like striking a stone with an egg. He had to wait until he was stronger before taking revenge.
By the time the carriage entered the mountain gates of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, dusk had settled in all directions. Many disciples were gathered around the notice board in the sect plaza, discussing matters animatedly. When they saw Ling Yun and the others return, the crowd instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned toward him. During the earlier Sword Tower Trial, news of Ling Yun defeating Murong Shuang had already spread throughout the sect. Now that he had safely returned from the secret realm and broken through again, their eyes held both awe and curiosity.
Just as he reached the inner disciples' residence, "Flowing Cloud Pavilion," a figure in green stepped out from beneath the corridor, carrying a medicine chest. It was Su Qingyuan. When she saw the bloodstains on Ling Yun, she hurried forward. Her hand reached toward his arm, only to pause slightly as she said softly, "I heard you encountered a demon beast. I specially simmered some Calm Heart Grass Soup. It can ease Sword Intent disorder. I also brought some healing ointment."
Seeing the concern in her eyes, a trace of warmth rose in Ling Yun's heart. Since the Ling Family's Annihilation, Su Qingyuan had been one of the few people still willing to treat him sincerely. He accepted the medicine chest, his voice gentler than usual. "Thank you. My injuries are not serious. I only expended a little too much Sword Intent. Why did you come to the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect?"
"Medicine Immortal Valley has medicinal herb dealings with your sect. I came with my master to deliver a batch of Miasma Avoiding Pills, and happened to hear that you had returned from the secret realm." Su Qingyuan lowered her eyes, her fingers lightly stroking the edge of the medicine chest. "By the way, now that you have broken through to the Great Swordsman Realm, have you encountered a bottleneck in cultivating the Qiankun Sword Canon? I have a copy of the Notes on Guiding Sword Intent left behind by my master. It may be of some help to you."
As she spoke, she drew a yellowed silk booklet from her sleeve and handed it to Ling Yun. The handwriting on it was delicate, and several dried Calm Heart Grass leaves had been tucked inside. Clearly, she had specially arranged it. Ling Yun accepted the booklet, and his fingertips brushed against her palm. Both froze at once. Su Qingyuan's cheeks reddened faintly as she turned away. "I will return to the guest courtyard first. Remember to take your medicine on time."
Watching her hurriedly retreating figure, Ling Yun tightened his grip on the silk booklet. The six-colored Sword Intent pearl within his dantian slowly calmed its agitation—this was the Chaos Sword Body's natural reaction to sensing goodwill, and it was also the first time he understood that, beyond revenge and the sword path, there was warmth in this world worth cherishing.
Meanwhile, within the Zhao Family residence in Qingfeng Town, Qingyun Region, the atmosphere was so oppressive it seemed nearly frozen solid. Zhao Kun sat in the seat of honor, crushing the teacup in his hand until it creaked. Kneeling below him was a black-clad cultivator—the very demonic cultivator who had ambushed Ling Yun at the secret realm's exit.
"You are saying that Ling Yun not only broke through to the Great Swordsman Realm, but also obtained an ancient sword cultivator's fortuitous opportunity?" Zhao Kun's voice was icy, and the killing intent in his eyes nearly overflowed. "Three years ago, I failed to cut the grass and uproot the roots. Instead, I let him grow into a force to be reckoned with!"
"Please calm your anger, Family Head." Cold sweat poured down the black-clad cultivator's forehead. "Ling Yun bears the Remnant Soul Imprint of the Primordial Sword. The Blood Fiend Hall Master has already issued an order: we are to hold steady for now, then eradicate him together with the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect once we have uncovered clues to Myriad Sword Cave. Moreover, next month will be the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's Sect Grand Competition. Family Head may use this opportunity to join forces with other families and provoke trouble. If Ling Yun can be killed during the competition, it will both eliminate future trouble and seize the fortuitous opportunities on him."
A calculating gleam flashed through Zhao Kun's eyes as his fingers lightly tapped the tabletop. "This can be done. I have already sent people to contact Black Wind Stronghold and Blazing Fire Gate. They have long resented the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect for monopolizing the secret realm resources of the Qingyun Region. Offer them enough profit, and they will certainly send troops to assist us. As for Ling Yun... during the Sect Grand Competition, I will have my son Zhao Hao deal with him personally. He will use the Sword Devouring Art to slay him, establishing our might while seizing his Chaos Sword Body!"
The black-clad cultivator hurriedly kowtowed. "The Family Head is wise! Once this is accomplished, the Blood Fiend Hall Master will surely reward the Family Head with an even more superior demonic art and help you break through to the late stage of the Sword Emperor Realm!"
Zhao Kun coldly snorted and waved the black-clad cultivator away. Standing alone before the window, he stared in the direction of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, a vicious glint flashing through his eyes. "Remnant of the Ling Family, you escaped by luck back then. Now, I will have you die in the Sect Grand Competition and let all of Qingyun Region know that those who oppose the Zhao Family have only one road—the road to death!"
As night deepened, Ling Yun was in his room at Flowing Cloud Pavilion, reading the Notes on Guiding Sword Intent Su Qingyuan had given him by candlelight. The annotations in the silk booklet were detailed and even marked methods for guiding Sword Intent of different attributes. Su Qingyuan had clearly put much thought into it. He circulated the Qiankun Sword Canon, guiding his Fire-Attribute Sword Intent according to the method described in the booklet. The crimson Sword Intent within his dantian indeed became more docile, and its circulation with the other five types of Sword Intent grew smoother still.
"That girl Su is quite thoughtful." Sword Elder's voice held a smile. "Her Wood Spirit Body excels most at harmonizing Sword Intent. If you encounter bottlenecks in cultivation later, her assistance will spare you many detours. But the most pressing matter now is next month's Sect Grand Competition. Zhao Kun will never let this opportunity pass. He will certainly send someone to strike at you."
Ling Yun closed the silk booklet, his gaze falling upon the moonlight beyond the window. The Sky-Rending Sword trembled softly within its sheath, as though echoing his fighting spirit. "I know. The Sect Grand Competition is not only an opportunity to seize a core inner disciple position—it is also the first step in settling accounts with the Zhao Family. If Zhao Hao dares come, I will make sure he never returns!"
As the candle flame flickered, Ling Yun's Figure was cast upon the wall, upright and steadfast. He knew that an even greater storm was brewing across Qingyun Region. He had to grow stronger as quickly as possible, so that he could protect those he cherished amid that storm, avenge his clansmen, and set foot upon the road to the Spirit Realm.
Before you continue