"After the fall of the Ebon Tide Citadel, he refused promotions. Declined titles. Instead, he returned here, to his ho sect," Daoist Chu said. "He said the sword had done enough wandering... and it was ti for it to rest and guide."
Lin Mu exhaled slowly. "A man who’s fought that much blood and darkness deserves rest."
"He does," Daoist Chu agreed. "But knowing n like him... rest is always temporary."
ng Bai looked toward the peak they were approaching—their destination at last.
"So the One-Eyed Sword Lord... is watching over this place?"
The disciple smiled.
"Indeed."
A while later, the trio finally arrived near the top of the mountain, the wind thinning and the sky stretching like a vast sea of pale blue overhead. The Inner Court disciple descended first, landing on a wide circular platform carved directly into the stone. Elegant railings lined its edge, and a sweeping stone staircase descended in a spiral around the peak.
Just below the very summit—barely a thousand ters from the top—a single grand residence stood nestled into a cliff ledge, surrounded by a ring of slender pine trees swaying gently in the high-altitude breeze.
Its roof tiles were a polished gray-blue, glinting faintly like sword steel in the sunlight, while its walls were carved from a single pale stone, etched with elegant patterns of swords, clouds, and cranes.
As soon as ng Bai set foot on the stone path leading toward the residence, he stopped in surprise.
"Whoa..." he muttered, eyes wide. "Is it just , or is the Immortal Qi here... thick enough to choke on?"
He reached out and waved his hand, watching faint silvery mist curl and shift between his fingers. The air shimred faintly, and with every breath, he felt a wash of invigorating energy seep into his bones.
The Inner Court disciple chuckled behind him.
"You’re not wrong, Junior ng. The Immortal Qi here is so dense it often condenses into mist, especially during the early hours of the morning. Sotis it’s even thicker than this—it fluctuates depending on the flow of the underground Qi veins in the mountain."
"That’s insane..." ng Bai said, still staring at the mist around them. "I could probably cultivate five tis faster here! If I were an immortal." he added.
"Though the spirit qi is still thick." He muttered.
"Maybe even more," the disciple said with a smile. "Though it gets even denser the higher up you go."
ng Bai blinked and looked up toward the mist-veiled summit towering above them.
"So... the Grand Elder stays even higher than this?"
The disciple nodded. "Yes, his personal residence is right at the peak. But he rarely returns to it these days."
"Oh?" Lin Mu raised a brow. "Where does he usually stay, then?"
"More often than not, he’s at the Grand Hall of the Sect," the disciple explained. "He spends most of his ti there, managing matters, coordinating with the other elders, and overseeing sect operations."
"Must be busy," Daoist Chu muttered.
ng Bai glanced back at the summit, curiosity glimring in his eyes. "Do you think we’ll get to et him?"
Lin Mu remained quiet for a mont before responding softly, "I wonder the sa."
"He’ll probably contact you once he has so free ti," the disciple said, sensing their interest. "Right now, he’s swamped with work. An important tournant is approaching, and it has the entire sect moving at full pace."
Lin Mu’s ears perked up at that. "A tournant?"
"Yes," the disciple nodded. "It’s our once-in-a-century assessnt tournant. Every branch and division of the sect takes part. Even elders participate—though not to compete. They serve as instructors, judges, and sotis give public demonstrations."
"A tournant of swords then?" Lin Mu asked.
"Exactly," the disciple affird. "It’s a pure contest of the sword. No Qi techniques, no mystical skills—only Sword Dao. It’s the sect’s proudest tradition and one of the most anticipated events."
"That sounds incredible," ng Bai said, visibly excited. "Is it open to outsiders to watch?"
"Oh, most definitely," the disciple grinned. "Even disciples from other allied sects and kingdoms send representatives to observe. But only mbers of the sect may compete."
"What do the winners get?" Daoist Chu asked.
"Besides the glory?" The disciple chuckled. "There are plenty of rewards. Immortal weapons, cultivation resources, rare sword manuals, and of course—rit points. Those alone make it worth every drop of effort."
At that, Lin Mu’s expression changed slightly.
"rit points..." he murmured. "Can those be used to gain entry into the Sacred Grounds of the sect?"
The disciple paused and turned to him with a curious look.
"You’re interested in entering the Sacred Grounds?" he asked.
"I am," Lin Mu admitted without hesitation. "Though I imagine it isn’t sothing just anyone can do."
"You’re right about that," the disciple said with a respectful nod. "Entry to the Sacred Grounds is one of the highest privileges in the Xian Sword Sect. rit points alone aren’t enough—you also need to make significant contributions to the sect. Lifesaving rits, high-value discoveries, or years of teaching... things that leave a mark."
"I see." Lin Mu’s expression turned thoughtful. "I had a feeling it would be that way."
"Are you... seriously interested?" the disciple asked, a little surprised now.
"I am," Lin Mu said, gazing into the distance. "I don’t need the tournant rewards. What I seek is contribution. If the tournant can offer that... I’m willing to compete."
The disciple’s eyes widened, but then a grin slowly spread across his face.
"I can’t say for sure, but I’ll ask the Elders. Since you’re a sword cultivator, and one with such deep intent... I don’t think they’ll refuse. You may not be an official mber, but your presence already carries great weight."
Lin Mu simply nodded. "I’ll leave it to you then."
"Of course, Senior," the disciple replied earnestly. "You’ve accomplished more than most, even without formally joining us. And if you do manage to participate in the tournant and perform well... that alone might earn you the right to be considered for the Sacred Grounds in the future."
User Comments
0 comments from readers