It was without a sheath or a blade, lacking the sharp edge of ordinary divine weapons, and without any domineering phenomena that could pierce the sky and pierce the sun. Yet, the moment it appeared in the world, the Fate Soul of countless high-level experts who had deeply cultivated the closed-loop Dao, the mysteries of reincarnation, and the self-sustaining Dao of cause and effect all trembled slightly, and their hearts were filled with inexplicable tremors.
Qin Yu's gaze fell upon the peerless sword embryo, scrutinizing it closely.
The sword is three feet seven inches long, with an unusually long and narrow shape. The blade is only two fingers wide, with both ends as thin as needles. The cross-section is an asymmetrical, twisted rhombus. It has no edge or blade, and is not like a fully formed divine weapon. Instead, it is like a rift in the heavens and earth that has been forcibly fixed and solidified, perfectly formed and beyond the mundane.
It was pure black, neither dark nor gloomy, and had no appearance of being swallowed by an abyss. It was as if it were an ancient, broken rift in the void, compressed and solidified by endless years, and transformed into a physical entity. The sword had no trace of the luster of gold, iron, or jade. When thousands of rays of light fell on it, they would be slightly misaligned, refracted intermittently, and unable to settle.
Most mysterious of all are the black and white crackling patterns that slowly seep from within the sword's body. Without any trace of artificial carving or ancient inscriptions, these patterns, like vibrant fissures, slowly travel and spread from the deepest recesses of the sword's core, forming spiraling fractures. With each complete cycle of these patterns, an extremely faint sound emanates from the depths of the sword's core—
Click.
The sound was faint and low, yet it clearly reached the ears of many powerful beings, causing their expressions to change slightly. This sound was by no means the trembling of a divine weapon; rather, it seemed to be some kind of perfect and self-consistent Dao origin, cracking and breaking apart on its own within.
The black and white light patterns became increasingly clear and distinct, crisscrossing and intertwining, and the three-foot space around the sword embryo was completely plunged into a strange state. The straight lines were slightly curved and skewed, the continuous light bands were broken, and even the spatial orientation was briefly misaligned and the time sequence was slightly disordered. This was not the collapse and destruction of space, but the "continuous order" on which all things in heaven and earth depend for their survival was gently torn apart and forcibly severed.
The hilt of the sword is devoid of any elaborate decorations, except for layers of fine, dense ring patterns arranged on it, resembling the fingerprints of heaven and earth, yet without any repetition or pattern, and no ring can close perfectly. Just as each ring is about to connect perfectly, it will inevitably shift and leave a break, inherently incomplete, never closing completely.
Qin Yu immediately discerned the core Dao essence of this object: the broken ring. It not only severed the circle and the cycle of reincarnation, but also severed the eternal Dao of the self-consistent closed loop of heaven and earth, which was connected end to end.
As the sword embryo slowly descended, its black and white slashing patterns suddenly blazed brightly for a moment as it approached the arena. With a low hum, hundreds of fine slashing lines instantly spread out, weaving a crisscrossing black and white broken path net around the sword embryo.
Before the sword tip, a half-foot-long pitch-black rift quietly formed. Within the rift, there was no emptiness or death, only countless black and white turbulent currents cutting and crisscrossing in disorder, without circulation, without destination, without perfection, completely defying all the closed-loop principles of the world.
Nangong Xingyun raised his hand and gently pressed down, concealing the strange phenomena around him, causing the sword embryo to hover quietly between the two of them.
Xuanyuan Canglan glanced at it, a deep sense of emotion flashing in his eyes. This object was ancient and far beyond the comprehension of most people present. It was not an ordinary divine weapon forged by craftsmen or nurtured by heaven and earth, but a primordial fissure peeled from the source of eternity, carrying the supreme laws of the Dao before the beginning of chaos.
Legend has it that in the primordial era before chaos was divided and heaven and earth took shape, there existed an Ultimate self-consistent primordial closed loop. It was always connected, with cause and effect cycling, reincarnation continuing forever, and life never dying. The foundation of all the cycles, closed loops, and self-sustaining Dao of all subsequent worlds originated from this.
That supreme primordial closed loop, without external enemies to conquer it or any external force to destroy it, eventually collapsed on its own, creating an Ultimate gap that would never heal throughout the ages. This single gap completely shattered the primordial perfection, causing the entire closed loop of laws to collapse and the world to be reborn.
This Severing Cycle and Slaying Beginning Sword Embryo is the primordial remnant left from that ancient collapse. It does not carry the killing sharpness of an ordinary divine weapon, but rather the original Dao law of the primordial closed loop self-tearing and self-breaking perfection.
All closed-loop Dao principles, all cyclical order, all interconnected and self-continuous Dao origins in the world will have their inner perfect closed loops broken through and their cracking intent triggered as soon as they approach this sword.
This embryo is neither good nor evil, neither sentimental nor thoughtful, and has no spirit or autonomy. It only possesses the ancient, inherited origin of the Dao. Click! Before Nangong Xingyun finished speaking, a soft sound rang out again from the depths of the sword embryo.
Qin Yu's gaze narrowed slightly as he keenly detected an extremely profound primordial emotion deep within the sword embryo. There was no killing intent, no anger, only a faint sense of resentment accumulated over countless ages, and a leisurely sense of relief as one breaks free from the perfect closed loop and shatters the shackles.
The black and white patterns flowed once more, the surrounding void shifted slightly, and the Dao sequence was briefly severed.
Nangong Xingyun gazed at Qin Yu and slowly explained in a deep voice, "This embryo has traversed countless ages and passed through the hands of numerous powerful figures, yet very few have been able to hold onto it for long. It does not distinguish between friend and foe, good and evil; however, as long as the holder's own Dao has a tightly closed loop and a perfectly self-consistent structure, the longer it is held, the more its original cracking intent will erode the foundation of the Dao and sever the traces of the Dao."
He paused briefly, then succinctly revealed the essence of this object. "Therefore, it is both an unparalleled treasure, extremely rare throughout the ages, and a malevolent ancient weapon, incredibly difficult to control."
As the words fell, the black and white crackled light patterns on the surface of the sword once again wandered and spread. Under the watchful eyes of thousands, four lines of ancient and vigorous inscriptions slowly rose from the depths of the pitch-black sword body, appearing naturally without pen or ink, exuding a vast and boundless Daoist charm.
The original closed loop cracked, and the remaining gaps were forged into weapons. Black and white cut the order of the path, the broken ring left no name, and the four-line inscription was fully revealed. The strange phenomena that had just stirred in the sword embryo were completely subdued, and it returned to its silent and ancient state.
Qin Yu gazed at the ancient sword embryo hanging before him, a genuine interest arising in his eyes for the first time. This object was completely different from all the divine weapons and treasures he had encountered before. It was not yet fully formed, not yet a perfect weapon, but it had already forged an Ultimate pure and unique path—severing all closed loops in the world and severing the order of the Dao throughout the ages. This ancient, solitary embryo hung quietly before him, waiting for Qin Yu to take control.
Nangong Xingyun stood in the center of the main arena, his right hand slowly raised. The Severing Cycle and Slaying Beginning Sword Embryo, suspended within golden light, descended slowly towards Qin Yu through the void. Before the sword embryo even touched his palm, subtle ripples of dislocation appeared in the three-foot-wide void around him.
Strands of black and white light slowly swirled and flowed from the depths of the sword's origin. Each time a cycle was completed, an extremely faint "click" would emanate from within the pure black sword embryo, as if a near-perfect circular track was breaking apart from the inside out.
Nangong Xingyun gazed calmly at Qin Yu, his sleeves fluttering slightly as his solemn voice echoed across the arena, "The first place winner of this year's Lineage' Prodigy Competition, Qin Yu, the Chi Lineage's outsider, the first-place reward— the Severing Cycle and Slaying Beginning Sword Embryo —is now yours."
As his words fell, the last layer of golden Dao light covering the sword embryo completely dissipated. Qin Yu raised his right hand, his five fingers slowly closing, firmly grasping the pure black sword embryo without a sharp edge or blade. The instant his fingertips touched, a bone-chilling coldness flowed from his palm straight to his Fate Soul.
Instead of feeling the chill penetrating his body, he experienced a strange and indescribable tactile sensation. The ever-present rings slowly moved across his palm, and the sword embryo emitted a very faint tremor in his hand.
Buzz!!!
The black and white light patterns suddenly brightened, and several fine cracks appeared in the void around Qin Yu Nine-Wheel True Evolution Dharma Wheel, dormant deep within his Fate Soul, also gently spun. He was not in a hurry to activate this ancient embryo; instead, he held his sword horizontally before him, concentrating on examining the endless rings.
Gazing at the endless black and white cracks deep within the sword's blade, and observing its twisted, rhomboid shape and needle-like tips, his interest deepened. After a moment, he sheathed the sword, turned, and bowed deeply to Nangong Xingyun, Nalan Yanqing, Xuanyuan Canglan, and Murong Yunche: "Thank you, seniors."
The four judges nodded in response. Nangong Xingyun showed no change in expression, and once again faced the audience, his clear voice resounding throughout the Myriad Worlds Graveyard: "The first-place prize has been awarded. Next, the second place— Hua Jingmeng of the Hua Lineage. Hua Jingmeng's Fate Soul essence has been severely damaged, and she urgently needs to meditate and recuperate. This reward will be accepted on her behalf by Hua Yin, the Great Elder of the Hua Lineage."
In the Hua Lineage's seats, Hua Yin slowly rose upon hearing the voice. Since the start of the grand event, he had kept most of his emotions hidden. At this moment, his face still showed no signs of sorrow, joy, or anger. However, as he turned to leave his seat, a fleeting, chilling glint flashed in his eyes.
He took a step forward, his figure hovering in the air, slowly descending towards the main arena. At the same time, Qin Yu, holding the Severing Cycle and Slaying Beginning Sword Embryo, slowly walked down from the awards stage towards the Chi Lineage's camp. The two passed each other in the center of the arena.
To outsiders, Hua Yin looked ahead, while Qin Yu remained calm, neither stopping nor speaking, with a distance of several feet between them. But just as their figures brushed past each other, Hua Yin's eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold, emotionless gaze swept across Qin Yu's profile before quickly disappearing.
Qin Yu didn't stop walking, but he slightly raised his eyelids and glanced back indifferently. There was no provocation, no anger, but a cold, sharp glint flashed and disappeared deep in his eyes. Both of them understood the entanglement hidden in that glance, but they didn't reveal it at all, so that others wouldn't see through it. Hua Yin continued to go up on the stage, while Qin Yu went straight back to the Chi Lineage formation.
As soon as Qin Yu's feet touched the ground, the young members of the Chi Lineage surrounded him. Chi Junxuan strode ahead, his joy evident in his eyes; Chi Yufeng and Chi Yi'an followed closely behind.
After watching round after round of thrilling battles, the competition has now come to a close, with Qin Yu emerging victorious. Everyone felt a huge weight lifted from their hearts, and their expressions relaxed. Chi Mulin, whose old injuries had not yet fully healed and whose face was still pale, slowly approached, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she looked at the sword embryo in Qin Yu's palm, her eyes filled with a hint of amazement.
The elders of the Chi Lineage stepped forward to offer their congratulations, some stroking their beards and laughing heartily, others patting each other on the shoulder in celebration. The Chi Lineage's joyous and harmonious atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the somber and somber atmosphere of the Hua Lineage's camp.
At the forefront of the formation, Chi Boqian had already stood up. Ever since the decisive battle was over, the smile on his face had never truly faded. Upon seeing Qin Yu return, he couldn't help but laugh loudly, "Hahaha! Fellow Daoist Qin, congratulations! Your victory has truly made an unparalleled contribution to my Chi Lineage."
For hundreds of years, the Lineage have recruited countless outsiders, but you alone have fought your way to the top! You have worked hard this time. When the event concludes, the Chi Lineage will hold a grand banquet to celebrate for you!" His words were full of heartfelt appreciation, and the elders behind him nodded in agreement.
Qin Yu carefully sheathed the sword embryo, then solemnly cupped his hands to Chi Boqian, his expression respectful, his demeanor humble and open, showing none of the arrogance one might expect after winning the championship. "Senior, you flatter me. I owe this opportunity entirely to you. Without the Chi Lineage's invitation, I would not have had this encounter today." Upon hearing this, Chi Boqian's smile deepened, and he nodded repeatedly. The Chi Lineage members around him looked at Qin Yu with a newfound sense of closeness.
On the main stage, Hua Yin had already walked up to the four referees and bowed slightly in greeting. Nangong Xingyun raised his palm and waved, and two completely different beams of light descended from the depths of the void.
The first ray of light transformed into thousands of round, pearl-like shadows, totaling ten thousand, each only the size of a fingertip. The pearls were adorned with hazy and beautiful dream patterns, overlapping and floating among themselves, condensing before Hua Yin into a dazzling galaxy resembling a long, dreamlike night—one of the rewards for the second place, ten thousand Dreamplay Beads. Then, the second ray of light unfolded, transforming into a deep gray ancient scripture. The scripture did not exhibit any dazzling phenomena, but once unfurled, the surrounding primordial flow slowly slowed down, and five ancient characters slowly emerged at the beginning of the scroll: The Eternal Silence Return to the Ruins Scripture.
Nangong Xingyun looked at Hua Yin and slowly spoke, "The second Hua Jingmeng, is awarded ten thousand Dreamplay Beads, and also a copy of the Ancient Divine Scripture, the Eternal Silence Return to the Ruins Scripture. This scripture does not rely on external forces, nor does it gather external spiritual energy. It cultivates a solitary nature, using the Fate Soul as a furnace and nothingness as fuel, sinking all seven emotions and six desires, the perception of time, the obsession with cause and effect, and even one's own existence into the Abyss of Eternal Silence for forging. When cultivated to the highest level, the body transforms into a trace of silence, which can be both the end point of all things returning to nothingness and the opportunity for new life to be glimpsed within deathly silence."
The ancient scripture slowly unfurled in the void, revealing the five stages of cultivation page by page. The first stage, the state of the Entering Stillness Realm, is where, in a single thought, the fluctuations of the mind, the Fate Soul, and the breath all return to a state of profound tranquility, leaving no trace for the outside world to detect. The second stage, the Hidden Stillness Realm, is Trace Vanishing into the void, allowing one to temporarily shed a portion of one's karma and become untouched by external entanglements.
The third level, the Shared Stillness Realm, involves the body's tranquil nature spreading outwards, using the Fate Soul to permeate the surrounding laws, causing the flow of origin to weaken and the principles of law to stagnate, thus forming a tranquil domain of its own; the fourth level, the Mastering Stillness Realm, involves mastering the boundary between existence and non-existence, capable of reducing tangible things to Wuhen, and also able to recall a wisp of the original essence of past existence from the midst of complete Annihilation;
The fifth Eternal Silence Realm, is where the body merges with the Silent Abyss, the mind returns to ultimate stillness, and a single thought can suppress all laws, and a single thought can also give birth to new primordial buds within deathly stillness. As the scroll continues to be turned, two core supernatural powers manifest in the world.
The first mantra, the Milu Stillness-Stopping Curse, is primarily for stillness. It uses the Stillness Dao to suppress all changes in the target. It can seal away magic, imprison the mind, and lock in the last glimmer of life when the Fate Soul is about to dissipate. The second Stainless World-Cleansing Sound, is primarily for transformation. Layers of still waves cleanse all things of acquired attributes, murderous intent, karma, and defilement, returning them to their original purity.
Nangong Xingyun did not shy away from the hidden dangers of this scripture. His voice was solemn as he continued to warn, "This scripture directly explores the source of Eternal Silence, yet it is also most likely to cause one to sink into a state of desolation. If one's will deviates even slightly, one will fall into eternal silence and lose oneself; if one only clings to the principle of Annihilation and loses the protection of one's original heart, one will also slide into the extreme of ruthlessness. This scripture combines stillness and transformation, hardness and gentleness; only by having these two paths complement each other can the true meaning of the Great Dao be preserved."
Hua Yin listened quietly to everything, a deep glint flashing in his eyes. He then carefully put away the ten thousand Dreamplay Beads and the Eternal Silence Return to the Ruins Scripture, bowed to the four people, and turned back to his seat in the Hua Lineage.
After the second-place prize was awarded, Ju Gongchen, who came in third, stepped onto the stage to receive his prize. The injuries he sustained in his previous life-or-death battle with Hua Jingmeng had not yet fully healed, and his face was still somewhat pale, but his steps remained steady. Even though he was ranked third, there was not a trace of disappointment or melancholy between his brows. He walked up to the four judges and bowed deeply.
Nalan Yanqing raised his hand and summoned a wisp of Primordial radiance. An ancient treasure covered with layers of dark blue and silver-white primordial essence slowly descended. It was a palm-sized Primordial seal, almost crystal clear throughout. Within the seal's core, a wisp of Primordial Origin that had not yet differentiated flowed back and forth.
Every time the ancient seal gently turned, the myriad laws of the Dao around it would automatically retreat. This item was the reward for third place, a true Primordial Origin Supreme Treasure. Ju Gongchen accepted it with both hands, said nothing, solemnly thanked them again, and turned to return to the Ju Lineage camp. Thus, the rewards for the top three in this year's Lineage' Prodigy Competition were all awarded.
Nangong Xingyun returned to the center of the main arena, his gaze slowly sweeping over the seats of the Lineage and the millions of spectators, before looking up at the four Source Dao Ultimate Beast Huang, who were already seated high above. After a brief pause, he flicked his sleeves behind him, and the powerful Dao voice of the Void Emanation Realm once again resounded throughout the entire Myriad Worlds Graveyard: "Thus, the Grand Competition of the Lineage' Prodigies and the awarding of the top three have come to a successful conclusion!"
The applause erupted again. Nangong Xingyun did not let the noise linger. After the noise subsided slightly, he turned to look at Nalan Yanqing beside him and said slowly, "Next, it will be the ultimate beast sparring between the Lineage' guardian Source Dao Ultimate Beast Huang, which you have all been waiting for."
"This sparring session will be presided over by Nalan Yanqing." As soon as he finished speaking, he slowly stepped back, and Xuanyuan Canglan and Murong Yunche also retreated to the side of the arena, leaving only Nalan Yanqing alone in the arena.