Three days later.
Inside the quiet chamber, morning light spilled through the window. The air was fresh, with faint Spiritual Qi lingering about. Qin Yu sat cross-legged on the wooden couch, his breathing as steady as before. His wounds had long since healed, and his expression was more resolute than ever.
The wooden door creaked open, and Yang Zheng rushed in first, irrepressible excitement on his face.
"Wow!" he practically shouted, his eyes shining. "You're incredible, Brother Yu! You actually defeated Luo Chuan completely!"
As he spoke, he waved his arms, acting out the scene. "You have no idea! Our entire Gray Spirit Root disciples' quarter practically boiled over! Nobody could believe it. When our brothers with low-grade Spirit Roots heard the news, every one of them nearly jumped into the air!"
He leaned closer to Qin Yu, his eyes full of pride and admiration. "From today onward, you're everyone's role model among the Gray Spirit Root disciples! Brother Yu, you really helped us vent our pent-up anger!"
Zhang Hao entered after him, his expression as composed as ever, though a faint trace of gratification lingered at the corners of his eyes. He glanced at the excited Yang Zheng, then turned to Qin Yu, his voice calm but carrying a measure of restrained emotion.
"Qin Yu, your body has recovered well. To regulate your breathing and restore your vitality in just three days shows that your foundation is ten times steadier than an ordinary person's. Remember, this isn't merely talent. It's something you earned by putting your life on the line."
He paused briefly, his gaze deepening. "Although Luo Chuan lost, the way people both inside and outside Cloud-Leveling Hall look at you has changed completely. From here on, you must be more cautious. You must not let your guard down."
Qin Yu nodded slightly, determination flashing in his eyes. "I understand."
Beside him, however, Yang Zheng grinned guilelessly and gave Qin Yu a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Hehe, Brother Yu is a real sensation in Cloud-Leveling Hall now!"
Laughter and gravity mingled in the room, holding both the joy between brothers and the undercurrents of challenges to come.
Qin Yu sat quietly on the wooden couch, his expression now completely clear and composed. With a deep gaze, Zhang Hao took a jade bottle and an ancient manual from his sleeve and placed them on the small table.
"Qin Yu," Zhang Hao said, his voice low and solemn, "you won four consecutive matches in the outer sect tournament. Not only did you make everyone see you in a new light, but you also received a personal commendation from the Hall Master. Take these thirty high-grade spirit pills. They can help you stabilize your cultivation realm and nourish your Qi and blood in a short time. There's also a high-grade cultivation art here, another reward from the Hall Master. You must cultivate it diligently and not disgrace these great expectations."
Qin Yu was deeply stirred. He solemnly accepted the jade bottle and ancient cultivation manual with both hands, then rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Hall Master, and thank you for your guidance, Deacon Zhang! I will not fail your trust!"
Zhang Hao nodded, then turned toward Yang Zheng, whose face was flushed with excitement. His voice held a little less authority and a little more gratification. "And you, Yang Zheng. In the low-grade Spirit Root disciples' quarter, you've worked tirelessly without the slightest laziness. Yesterday, you finally passed the outer sect assessment and officially became an outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall. You earned this through your own efforts, and it deserves to be celebrated."
"Huh? I thought I hadn't passed the assessment. Hehe!" Yang Zheng's eyes widened, and he could scarcely believe it. Then he became as happy as a child, his face overflowing with irrepressible excitement. He nearly jumped up, saying repeatedly, "Thank you, Deacon Zhang! I'll work even harder and live up to your expectations!"
Qin Yu was equally delighted to hear this. He knew that although he had once copied out the Mystic Origin Body Tempering Art for Yang Zheng to consult, the true breakthrough ultimately depended on Yang Zheng's persistence and effort, day after day.
He stood up, his eyes full of warmth, and patted Yang Zheng's shoulder. "Congratulations, Senior Brother Yang! Now that you're an outer sect disciple, we can cultivate, spar, and have fun together every day again."
Yang Zheng's eyes grew slightly hot. He had wanted to say, "If it weren't for you, I could never have come this far so quickly," but he met a look from Qin Yu-a look carrying a hint of reminder and a sincere smile. Warmth filled Yang Zheng's heart. In the end, he merely grinned broadly and nodded hard. "Right! From now on, we brothers won't have to be separated again!"
The atmosphere in the room immediately relaxed. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto their faces, as though the road ahead, while full of hardship, also brimmed with hope. As Zhang Hao watched them, a rare smile flickered in his eyes.
These two children... perhaps they can hold up a corner of Cloud-Leveling Hall's future.
The atmosphere in the room gradually settled. Zhang Hao's gaze grew restrained, and his voice regained its usual gravity.
"Qin Yu, Yang Zheng, remember that becoming outer sect disciples is only the beginning of truly setting foot on the path of cultivation. Cloud-Leveling Hall's outer sect has abundant resources, but the competition is even crueler. If you want to gain a real foothold, you must put in a hundredfold effort. Contests between outer sect disciples aren't like the simple sparring you experienced before. At any moment, they can concern your lives and futures."
He paused, his gaze settling on Qin Yu with particular gravity. "Especially you, Qin Yu. After you severely wounded Luo Chuan in the match, an elder from Luo Chuan's Lineage appeared in person and took him away from Cloud-Leveling Hall."
Qin Yu's expression tightened, his brows creasing slightly. "Took him away?"
Zhang Hao nodded. "Yes. Luo Chuan's Lineage already wields enormous influence on the Great Yan Continent. After the injuries he suffered this time, they certainly won't let the matter rest. You must prepare yourself. Although today's victory has greatly increased your fame, it is also bound to draw no small number of hidden currents your way. It's by no means impossible that someone might use this as an excuse to make trouble for you, or even mobilize the power of their Lineage."
Yang Zheng's face changed at once, and he hurriedly stepped forward. "Then what do we do? Would they actually dare lay a hand on Brother Yu?!"
Zhang Hao raised a hand to quiet him, his voice calm but carrying an iron resolve. "You needn't worry within Cloud-Leveling Hall. Since the Hall Master has rewarded you, he will naturally ensure your safety. But you must understand-the path of cultivation ultimately has to be walked with your own strength. If even the outer sect is like this, the pressure you face will only grow when you become direct disciples in the future."
At this point, he looked at Qin Yu, his gaze slowly tightening. "So remember, you must not only cultivate hard, but also learn caution, concealing your brilliance and biding your time. Strength is the foundation, but you must be even steadier in your actions. Don't bare all your sharp edges too soon."
Qin Yu nodded, silently pondering. He understood that Zhang Hao was not trying to frighten him, but reminding him that one victory was only the beginning. The curtain had only just risen on the real challenges.
Having finished, Zhang Hao saw Qin Yu's solemn expression and knew that his words had sunk in. Only then did he incline his head slightly. He then turned toward Yang Zheng.
"Yang Zheng, although you've only just become an outer sect disciple, this is an honor you deserve. Come with me tonight to collect your outer sect robes and token. From now on, you'll be a true outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall."
Yang Zheng froze, then his eyes lit up, and he nearly jumped with excitement. "R-really? Deacon Zhang, you're taking me personally?!"
Zhang Hao smiled faintly. "Of course. You reached this point through your own effort, and you deserve the proper treatment. Let's go."
Qin Yu was happy for Yang Zheng too, and could not help smiling. "Congratulations, Senior Brother Yang! Now you're finally standing officially at my side."
Yang Zheng grinned and scratched his head guilelessly. "Hehe, you gave me such an enormous push. Otherwise, how could I have done it so quickly..."
Before he finished, Qin Yu narrowed his eyes slightly and gave him a look. Yang Zheng immediately understood and forcibly swallowed the rest of his words, changing tack. "Ahem... anyway, I'll treasure this opportunity. I won't make you lose face!"
Watching this, Zhang Hao sighed softly inwardly. Of these two youths, one was sharp as a sword, the other plain and solid as stone, yet chance had brought them together as brothers on the same path.
"Let's go." Zhang Hao swept his sleeve and led Yang Zheng out of the quiet chamber.
The night breeze was cool, and moonlight spilled over the stone steps. Zhang Hao led Yang Zheng through the outer sect disciples' courtyard to the Outer Sect Deacons' Hall. Its doors stood wide open, the interior brightly lit. A stack of spotless white disciple robes and dozens of outer sect tokens had already been prepared on the long table inside.
Zhang Hao took one set of robes and handed it into Yang Zheng's arms, then picked up a bronze token and placed it in his hand. The words "Cloud-Leveling" were engraved on its front, while the back bore a number unique to the disciple. It rested heavily in Yang Zheng's palm.
"From this day onward, you are an outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall. Remember, this is not only an honor, but also a responsibility," Zhang Hao said solemnly.
Yang Zheng accepted it with both hands, his eyes reddening slightly as he nodded repeatedly. "Yes! I won't fail the hall's expectations!"
Under the moonlight, the youth tightly gripped his outer sect disciple token, his expression more resolute than ever before.
Night lay heavy, and candlelight flickered inside the quiet chamber. Qin Yu sat alone on the wooden couch, gently stroking the Spirit Annihilation Sword, his brows deeply furrowed.
That scene would not leave his mind.
On the platform, Luo Chuan had burned his blood in a desperate struggle, his sword seeking to sever heaven and earth. Yet at the instant their blades met, a flash of gray light had suddenly erupted from Qin Yu's body.
Qin Yu closed his eyes, his mind retracing that instant. He could still clearly feel the chill of that power.
It was unlike the Spiritual Qi of his usual cultivation, nor did it resemble the power driven by any cultivation art. That gray light was cold and heavy, as though it came from beyond heaven and earth, yet it had unmistakably burst from within him.
"At that moment..." Qin Yu murmured, his fingertips trembling gently, "I felt as though all the Spiritual Qi and sword intent between heaven and earth, even the power of Luo Chuan's blood sword, had completely lost their meaning before that gray light. As though... as though they'd been erased."
He could sense that the gray light had not been a simple eruption, but a power of absolute negation.
It had produced no earthshaking roar, no waves of force that tore heaven and split earth, yet it had destroyed Luo Chuan's sword in an instant and blasted him away.
"Negation... yes, that gray light seemed capable of negating everything."
Cold sweat seeped from Qin Yu's forehead, and his heart pounded.
In that instant, he had even experienced an illusion: if that power had not been fleeting, but had truly been unleashed in full, perhaps not only Luo Chuan, but Qin Yu himself, along with the platform, the square, and even all of heaven and earth, would have crumbled to ash and vanished beneath that light.
The thought brought an indescribable fear welling up from the depths of his heart.
"What exactly is it... why is it inside me?"
Qin Yu's gaze was complicated, holding both terror and a faintly discernible anticipation. He knew very well that the horror of this gray light exceeded his understanding. Perhaps it was some forbidden power, or perhaps a secret within him that had yet to awaken.
He slowly raised his head and looked toward the starry sky outside the window, his gaze gradually firming.
"Whatever it is, I must master it. I must find out exactly what it is... otherwise... one day, it will turn around and devour me."
The night breeze blew in, the candle flame swayed, and Qin Yu's silhouette stretched long and lonely.
That gray light became the deepest question in his heart, and a mystery he had to unravel on the road ahead.
At dawn, as daylight faintly brightened, Yang Zheng pushed open his door in the outer sect disciples' courtyard of Cloud-Leveling Hall, scarcely able to contain his excitement.
He had already changed into brand-new outer sect disciple robes. The dark blue-green fabric held its shape better than any clothing he had worn before. The character for "cloud" was embroidered on the chest, and fine spiritual patterns were stitched into the cuffs, flowing gently with his steps as though breathing Spiritual Qi.
Yang Zheng raised a hand and gently stroked the embroidery on his chest, his eyes growing slightly hot.
"So these are... outer sect disciple robes."
In the past, he had been merely one of the most ordinary members of the Gray Spirit Root disciples' quarter, doing the hardest chores every day. But now, standing in the morning light, he finally wore the same robes as those disciples he had once only been able to admire from afar.
His back straightened further, and his steps were steadier than usual. Though his face still bore its guileless smile, his eyes held an added trace of true determination.
If Mother saw me, she'd surely be proud, he murmured softly in his heart.
When the other disciples in the courtyard saw him, their gazes no longer looked down from lofty heights, but held recognition and fellowship. At that moment, Yang Zheng truly felt that he was no longer someone who could only look up from a corner, but a rightful outer sect disciple of Cloud-Leveling Hall.
Standing in the courtyard, Yang Zheng could not help lowering his head for another look at his outer sect robes. The pride surging in his heart was as difficult to calm as the tide.
"Brother Yu has to be the first to see!"
He grinned and hurried toward Qin Yu's residence. The morning breeze blew past, making his robes flap in the wind and release faint fluctuations of spiritual presence, as though cheering for his new status.
Before long, he reached Qin Yu's door. He almost could not resist pushing straight inside, but then remembered that he now counted as an outer sect disciple and ought to be steadier. So he took a deep breath, reached out, and knocked gently.
"Brother Yu! Brother Yu! Open up! You have to see how I look now!"
The door creaked open, and Qin Yu appeared in the doorway. Although his expression had regained its calm, concern still lingered in his eyes. He looked Yang Zheng over, and a smile promptly flickered in his gaze.
Yang Zheng stood with his head high and chest out, his face brimming with unconcealable joy. His robes shimmered with faint spiritual radiance in the morning light, and his broad, guileless face now bore a confidence it had never held before.
"Brother Yu!" Yang Zheng spun excitedly, the spiritual patterns on his cuffs rippling with him. "See? I'm a real outer sect disciple now! Just like you!"
Watching his straightforward brother, Qin Yu felt warmth in his heart, and the corners of his mouth lifted. "Yes, they look good. They suit you."
Yang Zheng grinned like a child at these words. "Hehe, of course! From today onward, I, Yang Zheng, count as someone who can stand beside Brother Yu too!"
They looked at each other and smiled, their brotherly bond seeming especially genuine at that moment.
Morning light spilled over them. Still immersed in joy, Yang Zheng kept looking down at his robes, as excited as a child.
Seeing this, Qin Yu's gaze softened, but his tone grew more serious. "Brother Yang, you're an outer sect disciple now. The first step for an outer sect disciple isn't merely a change in status. More importantly, you're finally qualified to visit the Cultivation Art Hall and the Weapons Hall to choose a cultivation art and weapon of your own."
As he spoke, he gently patted Yang Zheng's shoulder, his voice warm. "The path of cultivation ultimately depends on your own foundation and opportunities. You understand better than anyone that you've come this far through your own efforts. Go find a cultivation art and weapon that suit you. That's the true starting point for an outer sect disciple."
A trace of solemnity flashed in Yang Zheng's eyes, and he nodded. "Yes! Brother Yu, I understand."
Qin Yu smiled, his voice carrying a little apology. "I still have some matters to handle, so I can't go with you. Go choose first. I'll come find you shortly."
"All right!" Yang Zheng grinned, unconcealable anticipation showing through his guilelessness. "Then I'll head to the Cultivation Art Hall now!"
He turned and strode away, his back straight and resolute. His dark blue-green outer sect robes flapped in the morning breeze, as though announcing his new beginning.
Qin Yu watched him go, a trace of gratification flickering in his eyes, while he murmured silently in his heart:
Brother Yang, although this road is difficult, as long as you persevere, you'll surely go farther.
The chamber was quiet, and the morning breeze stirred gently outside the window. Sitting on the wooden couch, Qin Yu solemnly placed the ancient cultivation manual Zhang Hao had personally handed him on his knees. Its cover was wrapped in thick black-and-gold leather, with five large characters engraved in seal script at the center:
"Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art."
He slowly opened the pages. Rich Spiritual Qi washed over his face, and the writing was as clear as golden threads, as though it possessed its own radiance.
First form: Spiritual Light Thrust.
Qin Yu focused and read carefully. It said: lock onto the target with spiritual sense, pour Spiritual Qi into the spear tip, and thrust out a swift streak of spiritual light to strike the enemy's vital points precisely.
An image arose in his mind-a battle spear piercing the air, its tip turning into a sharp streak of starlight that drove straight through an enemy's heart, piercing defenses as though they were paper. In that instant, a tremor rose in his heart: used properly, this strike could change the course of a battle in an instant.
Second form: Qi Cyclone Spear Dance.
Swing the battle spear to form a whirlwind of Spiritual Qi, both disrupting the enemy's vision and resisting attacks from every direction. Qin Yu closed his eyes, as though seeing himself standing amid enemy ranks, his battle spear whirling and spiritual winds howling. Blades could not penetrate, instead being thrown back by the recoil. His heart jolted: this was an ingenious form that combined survival with counterattack.
Third form: Heaven-Guiding Strike.
Gather the dantian's Spiritual Qi with full force, leap into the air, and swing the battle spear down like thunder crashing to earth, spiritual light forming an arc that cleaved through the enemy's defenses. Reading this, Qin Yu's breathing unconsciously quickened: this was entirely a technique for breaking a deadlock, capable of shattering the enemy's barriers with one strike at the most difficult moment.
Fourth form: Spirit Spear Fleeting Shadow.
Spear shadows linked in succession as the body darted swiftly, leaving illusory afterimages, consecutive thrusts falling like torrential rain. Qin Yu imagined closing in on an enemy in an instant, dozens of spear shadows descending together before the enemy could react. Their rhythm alone could be completely disrupted. His eyes gradually brightened: this form was best suited to swift attacks, defeating the enemy through speed.
Fifth form: Qi Shield Spear Wall.
Condense Spiritual Qi into a shield, using the spear as its center to create a rotating defense, both blocking ferocious attacks and borrowing their force to strike back with recoil. Qin Yu immediately thought of his battle with Luo Chuan. With this form, he could have withstood that raging sword strike far more securely.
After reading all five forms in one sitting, he closed the ancient manual, his fingertips still trembling gently.
"This Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art... is simply incredibly powerful!"
Every form was highly practical. There were ultimate moves that attacked like thunder, as well as foundations for protecting himself and holding his ground, combining offense and defense with endless variations. Qin Yu could sense that compared with the basic sword art he had learned before, this cultivation art was more comprehensive and better suited to life-and-death combat on the battlefield.
His gaze gradually grew fervent, and he thought:
The Hall Master's reward... I must not let him down. This cultivation art will be my true trump card!
Qin Yu closed the ancient manual, his surging emotions still difficult to calm. The five combat techniques flashed through his mind in turn-spear shadows, spiritual light, whirlwinds, and protective walls... every move was as sharp and fitting as though it had been tailored for him.
Yet when he lowered his head to look at the Spirit Annihilation Sword beside him, his expression gradually grew solemn.
"The Spirit Annihilation Sword may be sharp, but it is a sword, after all, while the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art requires a true battle spear."
He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and murmured, "If I force myself to perform this cultivation art with a sword, I'll be abandoning the root to chase the branches, unable to unleash its full power. To truly bring out this art's might, I must find a battle spear that fits my hand."
By the time his words fell, he had made up his mind.
"It seems it's time to visit the Weapons Hall."
Qin Yu rose, slid the Spirit Annihilation Sword back into its sheath, and carried it on his back. Then he carefully tucked the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art into his robes. His expression firm, he pushed open the door and stepped out.
The morning light was bright, and the stone steps stretched ahead. The towering silhouette of the Weapons Hall was faintly visible in the distance. It was a place outer sect disciples dreamed of visiting, its interior holding countless spiritual weapons and ordinary weapons, each gleaming with a different light.
Qin Yu's steps were steady, a blazing trace of fighting spirit kindling in his eyes.
"What I want isn't merely a weapon, but a battle spear that can truly fight at my side."
His silhouette stretched long and resolute in the sunlight, gradually disappearing along the long path leading to the Weapons Hall.
The Weapons Hall was brightly lit, its structure towering, its surrounding walls covered with a dazzling assortment of weapons. Sabers, swords, spears, halberds, bows, crossbows, and shields stood in imposing rows, each shimmering with spiritual light and giving off either a steady or a sharp presence. Fluctuations of Spiritual Qi reverberated through the air, inspiring involuntary awe the moment one entered.
Qin Yu stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the battle spears on the long racks, when he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Brother Yu! You're finally here!"
Looking toward the voice, he saw Yang Zheng standing before a group of weapon racks, a longsword in his hand, his brows tightly knitted and his face full of indecision.
"I've spent ages choosing here and tried several things, but I just can't find a weapon I like." Yang Zheng scratched his head. At the sight of Qin Yu, his eyes instantly lit up, and he hurried over. "What do you think I should use? A saber? A sword? Or a staff? Every one looks powerful, but I always feel they don't quite suit me."
He smiled guilelessly, then sighed again. "Ah, it's so hard to decide."
Warmth filled Qin Yu's heart as he looked at him, and he shook his head with a smile. "Brother Yang, you can't judge a weapon by its appearance alone. You have to see whether it suits your presence. When I choose a battle spear in a moment, we can take our time trying them together. You'll surely find the one that suits you best too."
Anticipation flickered in Yang Zheng's eyes. "Yes! You're right, Brother Yu. Then I'll choose with you!"