Sword Enlightenment at the Scripture Depository, Encountering a Flood Dragon in the Secret Realm

Early one morning at the beginning of the month, the stone steps before the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's Scripture Depository were already packed with disciples. This pavilion, which had stood for a thousand years, was built of red sandalwood. Bronze wind chimes hung from its upturned eaves, and when the breeze passed through, their crisp ringing mingled with the scent of books and spiritual energy drifting from within, filling people with reverence.

Ling Yun held the token he had obtained from the Sword Tower Trial and stood beside Su Qingyuan. The surrounding disciples regarded him with mixed expressions—the achievement of reaching the seventh floor of the Sword Tower had long spread throughout the sect. This youth who had risen from the Servant Courtyard was now the focus of the outer disciples.

"The Scripture Depository has three floors. The first contains basic sword manuals and cultivation insights, the second holds mid- and high-grade sword techniques, and only core inner disciples and elders may enter the third floor," Su Qingyuan explained softly. "Seven Streams Sword Technique is on the eastern sword-manual shelf on the first floor. It is the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's core foundational sword technique. Even many inner disciples may not be able to fully master it."

As she spoke, the doors of the Scripture Depository slowly opened. After the elder in charge verified their tokens, he gestured for the disciples to enter. Ling Yun stepped into the pavilion, and a rich scent of ink rushed over him. Dozens of shelves stood in neat rows, filled with yellowed ancient books and jade slips, each emanating faint spiritual fluctuations.

Following Su Qingyuan's directions, Ling Yun quickly found the sword manual for Seven Streams Sword Technique on the eastern shelf. It was an ancient thread-bound book. The four words "Seven Streams Sword Technique" on its cover were vigorous and forceful. When he opened the title page, seven diagrams of sword moves and their annotations came into view: "First Form, 'Flowing Wind Returning Snow,' the sword momentum is nimble; Second Form, 'Clouds Rolling and Unrolling,' hardness and softness complement each other... Seventh Form, 'Flowing Clouds Returning to the Sea,' the sword momentum returns to one, its power boundless."

"Though Seven Streams Sword Technique appears basic, it actually contains the mysteries of wind. It is exceptionally compatible with Murong Shuang's Wind Spirit Physique, but for you, it is an excellent model for comprehending the 'ever-changing sword momentum,'" Sword Elder's voice sounded in his sea of consciousness. "The Chaos Sword Body can accommodate all methods. Do not confine yourself to the manual's annotations. Comprehend it in conjunction with the 'Way of Generation and Restraint' from the Qiankun Sword Canon."

Ling Yun found a seat by the window and focused on studying the sword manual. His fingers brushed over the diagrams, and images of the sword moves being performed instantly Appeared in his mind. The advantage of the Chaos Sword Body was fully displayed at this moment—every point of exertion, flaw, and artistic conception of each move was as clear as the lines on his palm.

"The key to 'Flowing Wind Returning Snow' does not lie in speed, but in 'nimbleness.' One must draw upon the surrounding spiritual energy and make the sword momentum like a spring breeze brushing willow branches, slipping through every opening," Ling Yun muttered, tracing through the air with his finger to simulate the trajectory of the sword move.

Su Qingyuan watched his focused expression from the side, her eyes full of gratification. She did not disturb him. Instead, she took out the spiritual herbs she carried and silently sorted them—she knew Ling Yun was at a crucial point of comprehension.

Before he realized it, noon had passed. Ling Yun closed the sword manual, rose to his feet, and walked to the open space in the center of the pavilion. He did not draw his sword, merely rehearsing Seven Streams Sword Technique from memory. First Form, "Flowing Wind Returning Snow"—his body turned, his sword momentum light and graceful, as though he had merged with the surrounding air; Second Form, "Clouds Rolling and Unrolling"—his arm exerted force, the sword momentum alternating between softness and hardness, ever-changing and unpredictable; Third Form, "Smoke Dispersing, Clouds Vanishing"...

The seven sword forms flowed out in one breath, connecting seamlessly. Though he held no sword, he had already faintly captured the artistic conception described in the manual. The guarding elder happened to pass by and, seeing this, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "This child's comprehension is astonishing. He has actually practiced Seven Streams Sword Technique to the realm of 'form and intent in harmony' within half a day. He is even several degrees faster than Murong Shuang was back then."

Ling Yun did not notice the elder's gaze. His thoughts remained immersed in the sword forms. Though the seven swords each have their own focus, they can be linked into a single momentum. If I use the Heaven and Earth First Form as the foundation, perhaps I can fuse them into an even stronger sword move.

"Do not be impatient for success," Sword Elder reminded him at the right moment. "Seven Streams Sword Technique is a foundation. You must first practice it to completion before speaking of fusion. Your spiritual energy is still weak. Forcing a fusion will only damage your meridians."

Ling Yun deeply agreed. He put away his thoughts, bade the elder farewell, and left the Scripture Depository. Su Qingyuan had already been waiting outside, carrying a food box in her hands. "Brother Ling Yun, you must be hungry, right? I brought you something to eat."

The two sat on the stone steps before the Scripture Depository. As Ling Yun ate, he spoke of his comprehension of the sword manual. Su Qingyuan listened with great interest and occasionally offered her own insights—though Medicine Immortal Valley did not specialize in the sword path, it had considerable knowledge of the circulation of spiritual energy within the human body, which could sometimes give Ling Yun fresh inspiration.

"Oh, right, Brother Ling Yun. The sect just announced that in three months, it will organize outer and inner disciples to enter the 'Misty Secret Realm,'" Su Qingyuan suddenly said. "It is one of the ancient secret realms of the Qingyun Region. It opens once every hundred years. There are many heavenly treasures within, as well as ruins left behind by ancient cultivators, but it is also fraught with danger. Demonic beasts often appear there."

"The Misty Secret Realm?" A glimmer flashed through Ling Yun's eyes. His cultivation had already reached the peak of the Late Stage Sword Apprentice, only one step away from the Swordsman Realm. He needed a fortunate opportunity to break through, and the secret realm was undoubtedly the best choice.

Sword Elder's voice sounded. "There is a 'Dragon Origin Fruit' in the Misty Secret Realm. It contains pure Fire Attribute spiritual energy, just enough to help you break through to the Great Swordsman Realm, perhaps even awaken Fire-Attribute Sword Intent. You must go!"

"I will participate," Ling Yun said immediately.

"I will go too." Su Qingyuan's eyes were full of anticipation. "Medicine Immortal Valley sends disciples to participate in secret realm exploration every year. This time, I am going together with the sect as a representative of Medicine Immortal Valley. Senior Sister Murong will also go. Her goal is the 'Wind Spirit Flower' deep within the secret realm."

Just then, an arrogant figure approached from afar. It was Murong Shuang. When she saw Ling Yun and Su Qingyuan, her steps paused. She walked over and said, "Ling Yun, do you intend to participate in the Misty Secret Realm?"

"Yes." Ling Yun nodded.

"Very good." A trace of fighting spirit flashed in Murong Shuang's eyes. "The secret realm is full of peril. We may run into people from the Zhao Family. When that happens, do not expect me to save you."

"There is no need for Senior Sister to trouble herself. I can protect myself well enough," Ling Yun said calmly.

Murong Shuang Coldly Snorted and turned away. Though she appeared to disdain Ling Yun, she was actually deeply wary of him—the battle on the seventh floor of the Sword Tower had made her understand that this youth from the Servant Courtyard was far from as simple as he appeared.

Over the next three months, Ling Yun devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation. Every day, he practiced Seven Streams Sword Technique at the training grounds. At night, he absorbed the spiritual energy from spirit stones within the Qi Gathering Formation. His understanding of the sword manual grew ever deeper, and the seven sword forms had reached the realm of Intent Penetrating Sword Bone. He needed only one final push to break through to the Swordsman Realm.

Su Qingyuan often brought him spiritual medicines to assist his breakthrough and taught him methods to identify spiritual herbs in secret realms and avoid traps. Murong Shuang occasionally sparred with him at the training grounds. Though they each won and lost, Ling Yun could always comprehend new details of the sword forms during their sparring, and his cultivation progressed ever faster.

Wang Hu and the others had completely vanished from sight. They knew the gap between themselves and Ling Yun was growing wider and wider. They no longer dared provoke him and could only watch from behind with jealousy as Ling Yun rose step by step.

Three months later, on the day the Misty Secret Realm opened, the disciples of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect gathered outside the mountain gate. Apart from Ling Yun, Murong Shuang, and Su Qingyuan, there were more than twenty outer sect elites and ten inner disciples. Leading them was the inner sect elder Zhou Tong, a Late Stage Sword Master cultivator.

"The Misty Secret Realm is fraught with danger. Within, there are demonic beasts below the third rank; outside, disciples from other forces; and you may even encounter evil cultivators," Zhou Tong warned sternly. "Remember, your priority is obtaining resources and gaining experience. Do not show off your strength. If you encounter a danger you cannot overcome, immediately crush your Teleportation Talisman and withdraw."

After speaking, he took out a green token and poured spiritual energy into it. The token emitted a beam of green light, opening a distorted spatial gate in the air—the entrance to the secret realm. The disciples entered one after another, and Ling Yun followed Behind Him Su Qingyuan into the spatial gate.

The scene before his eyes changed abruptly. Dense fog rushed toward him, and visibility was less than thirty feet. Towering ancient trees surrounded them, their trunks entwined with glowing vines. The air was thick with dampness, mixed with faint roars of demonic beasts.

"Everyone, be careful. Form teams first and explore the surrounding area," Zhou Tong said in a deep voice. "Gather at the entrance in three days, then venture deeper into the secret realm."

The disciples swiftly split into several teams. Ling Yun and Su Qingyuan naturally formed one team. Murong Shuang, meanwhile, took two inner disciples and headed in another direction.

"Brother Ling Yun, let us first find some low-grade spiritual herbs to get some practice and familiarize ourselves with the secret realm," Su Qingyuan said, taking out a compass. "This is a 'Treasure-Seeking Compass.' It can sense heavenly treasures nearby."

The compass needle spun and pointed toward a stretch of dense forest to the west. The two carefully made their way through the fog, gathering several stalks of "Qi Condensing Grass" and "Purple Leaf Flower" along the way, both low-grade spiritual herbs that aided cultivation.

Suddenly, sounds of battle and screams came from ahead. Ling Yun and Su Qingyuan exchanged a glance and quietly approached. Through the fog, they saw three outer disciples being besieged by a second-rank demonic beast, a Mist Shadow Wolf. The wolf was agile and extremely fast. Its fur blended into the fog, making it difficult to track. One disciple had already been wounded by its claws, blood pouring endlessly from the wound.

"It is a Mist Shadow Wolf, skilled at hiding and ambushes," Su Qingyuan said softly. "Its weakness is its eyes."

Ling Yun did not hesitate. Drawing his wooden sword, he rushed out. "Flowing Wind Returning Snow!" His sword momentum was nimble as he thrust directly at the Mist Shadow Wolf's left eye. Sensing the danger, the wolf flashed aside, only to be entangled by Ling Yun's immediately following "Clouds Rolling and Unrolling" sword move.

"Attack its eyes, now!" Ling Yun shouted.

The three disciples snapped awake as though from a dream and thrust their swords toward the Mist Shadow Wolf's eyes. The wolf let out a cry as its left eye was pierced. The intense pain made it even more frenzied, and it lunged desperately at the disciple nearest to it.

"Flowing Clouds Returning to the Sea!" Ling Yun leaped into the air, linking the seven sword forms into one momentum. His sword momentum returned to one as he thrust directly into the Mist Shadow Wolf's throat. This strike condensed all of his spiritual energy and carried the essence of Basic Sword Intent, instantly piercing the wolf's throat.

The Mist Shadow Wolf's huge body crashed to the ground and turned into a streak of spiritual light that dissipated, leaving behind only a crystalline Demonic Core.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Ling, for saving our lives!" The three disciples hurried forward to offer their thanks, their gazes full of gratitude and awe.

"It was nothing." Ling Yun put away the Demonic Core. "The secret realm is dangerous. You should join up with the other disciples as soon as possible."

The three disciples nodded repeatedly and hurried away.

"Brother Ling Yun, your sword moves just now were incredible!" Su Qingyuan's eyes were full of delight. "You have practiced Seven Streams Sword Technique to the point of perfection!"

Ling Yun smiled. Just as he was about to speak, the Treasure-Seeking Compass suddenly spun violently, its needle pointing straight into the depths of the forest. "There is a high-grade spiritual herb!"

The two followed the compass's guidance onward. The fog grew thicker and thicker, and the Fire Attribute spiritual energy in the air became increasingly dense. Half an hour later, they arrived at a valley. On a stone platform in the center of the valley grew a red fruit, its surface entwined with faint flames. It was the Dragon Origin Fruit Sword Elder had mentioned!

"Dragon Origin Fruit!" Joy rose in Ling Yun's heart.

Just then, an earthshaking roar erupted from below the stone platform. A crimson figure burst from the fog and blocked the way before it. It was a flood dragon three zhang long, covered in scarlet scales, with a pair of wings growing from its back and scorching breath spilling from its mouth. It was the third-rank demonic beast, the Crimson Flame Flood Dragon!

"Not good, it is a Crimson Flame Flood Dragon!" Su Qingyuan's expression changed drastically. "It is the guardian of the Dragon Origin Fruit. Its strength is comparable to a Late Stage Swordsman cultivator!"

The Crimson Flame Flood Dragon stared at Ling Yun and Su Qingyuan, its eyes filled with hostility. It suddenly spewed out a pillar of fire directly at them.

"Move!" Ling Yun grabbed Su Qingyuan and leaped away. The pillar of fire struck where they had just been standing. The ground was instantly scorched into a deep pit, and the vegetation turned to ash.

"Get back somewhere safe first!" Ling Yun pushed Su Qingyuan toward the entrance of the valley while gripping his wooden sword and facing the flood dragon alone.

"Flowing Wind Returning Snow!" His sword momentum was nimble as he evaded the flood dragon's sharp claws and thrust at the gaps between its scales. But the Crimson Flame Flood Dragon's scales were hard as iron. The wooden sword struck them, leaving only a white mark.

"It is useless! Its scales are impervious to blades and weapons. Only its abdomen is a weakness!" Su Qingyuan shouted from afar.

Ling Yun's gaze sharpened. He used Breath Concealing Steps, his body moving around the flood dragon as he searched for an opening to attack. The flood dragon roared, swinging its claws and spewing pillars of flame. Firelight scattered throughout the valley, and searing waves of heat bore down on them.

"This cannot continue. Your spiritual energy will eventually run dry," Sword Elder's voice sounded. "The Sky-Rending Sword can temporarily leave your body and assist you with one strike! But it will consume more than half your spiritual energy, so use it carefully!"

I can only gamble on it! Ling Yun silently thought.

He charged at the flood dragon, deliberately exposing a flaw. Seeing this, the flood dragon viciously swiped its claws at his chest. Just as the claws were about to strike, the Sky-Rending Sword in Ling Yun's dantian suddenly flew out, transforming into a streak of black light that shot directly toward the flood dragon's abdomen.

Squelch!

Though the Sky-Rending Sword had not fully awakened, it was still incomparably sharp. It instantly pierced through the flood dragon's abdomen. The Crimson Flame Flood Dragon let out a shrill scream. Its massive body crashed to the ground, struggled a few times, and then lost all breath.

Ling Yun caught the Sky-Rending Sword as it returned to his dantian. He felt more than half his spiritual energy drain away in an instant, and his entire body went limp. He nearly fell, but Su Qingyuan hurried forward to support him and handed him a "Qi Restoration Pill." "Brother Ling Yun, are you all right?"

"I am fine." Ling Yun swallowed the pill and circulated his spiritual energy to recover. He walked to the stone platform and plucked the Dragon Origin Fruit. The fruit felt warm in his hand, and pure Fire Attribute spiritual energy surged into his body through his palm. The spiritual energy in his dantian instantly began to boil.

"Quickly circulate the Qiankun Sword Canon and absorb the Dragon Origin Fruit's power!" Sword Elder urged.

Ling Yun immediately sat cross-legged and placed the Dragon Origin Fruit in his mouth. The fruit turned into a scorching warm current that flowed down his throat into his dantian, merging with his spiritual energy. The spiritual energy in his dantian grew more and more condensed, faintly showing signs of qualitative transformation.

No one knew how long passed before Ling Yun suddenly opened his eyes. A crimson spiritual radiance burst from his body, and the surrounding temperature instantly rose. Not only had his cultivation broken through to the Swordsman Realm, it had surged all the way to the Late Stage Swordsman. A fiery-red seed of sword intent had also faintly condensed in his dantian—Fire-Attribute Sword Intent had awakened!

"You succeeded!" Su Qingyuan cried out joyfully.

Ling Yun rose to his feet, feeling the surging spiritual energy within him and the faintly discernible Fire-Attribute Sword Intent. His heart was filled with excitement. Now, he finally had the beginnings of the strength needed to contend against the Zhao Family.

At that moment, footsteps and voices came from afar. "That dragon roar just now came from this direction. There must be a high-grade demonic beast here. There may even be treasure!"

Ling Yun and Su Qingyuan exchanged a glance, wariness flashing in their eyes. They looked toward the sound and saw five figures emerge from the fog. The leader was Zhao Lei, heir to the Zhao Family. Four Zhao Family guards followed Behind Him, all with cultivation at the Mid Stage Sword Warrior or above.

When Zhao Lei saw Ling Yun, Su Qingyuan, and the flood dragon's corpse on the ground, greed flashed in his eyes. "So it is the Ling Family's remnant and the little girl from Medicine Immortal Valley! I did not expect you to be able to slay the Crimson Flame Flood Dragon. It seems the Dragon Origin Fruit is in your hands!"

Ling Yun shielded Su Qingyuan behind him and gripped the wooden sword at his waist, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. He had not expected to encounter people from the Zhao Family in the secret realm—and Zhao Lei was Zhao Kun's son, one of the murderers who had taken part in the extermination of his family all those years ago!

"Zhao Lei, I will repay the Ling Family's vengeance sooner or later." Ling Yun's voice was ice-cold and piercing. "Today, I will start with you!"

Zhao Lei sneered. "You? A Late Stage Swordsman piece of trash dares shout in front of me? Go! Kill them and take back the Dragon Origin Fruit!"

The four Zhao Family guards immediately charged at Ling Yun, their sword momentum vicious and thick with killing intent. Ling Yun took a deep breath. Fire-Attribute Sword Intent quietly began to circulate as Seven Streams Sword Technique fused with Heaven and Earth First Form, adding a trace of blazing sharpness to his sword momentum.

The fog in the valley was blown apart by Sword Qi. A new vicious battle had already begun. What they did not know was that deep within the valley's mist, a pair of dark-green eyes watched them, radiating a dangerous aura—it belonged to a peak third-rank demonic beast, several times stronger than the Crimson Flame Flood Dragon.

The trial of the Misty Secret Realm had only just begun.