The battle ended in ten moves. Each move Ming Yue showed something different. Her control in the Wind and Lightning Dao, her accumulations in the Sword Sage Path, everything other than her trump cards.
Each move with met with a strike of the same strength with the elder attacking with ease.
It ended just like the previous fight, with a sword to her neck. Ming Yue admitted defeat and sheathed her sword as did Elder Xiang, retracting his blade.
"Hmph, so you've reached the next stage of the Sword Sage Path. Not to mention, the obvious progress to your cultivation. I can see why you're so confident now."
He put away his sword and left the little arena in the Sword Hall. There was a seat waiting for him as he relaxed on it and took out a gourd of wind. He took one swig, breathing out in satisfaction before looking at Ming Yue. Hei Yue seemed curious of the drink, studying the gourd but the Elder did not give the little fox any.
"Before you head for the tournament, there are some things you should know", he said.
"This tournament will include all disciples, that includes Elite Disciples and Inheritors. However, considering their strength and standing, they will not have to participate in the earlier rounds. As for that, there are ten rounds in total, the first three is to weed out the weak ones and the next six will be group fights and duels against each other. Standings will be based on your performance, the more you win, the higher your standing. The last round will be between the top twenty and will strictly comprise of duels with each other. Everything is randomly chosen to keep it fair."
Looking at her seriously, Elder Xiang gave her a warning.
"Do not grow complacent just because you have progressed well. Most if not all within this tournament have made similar gains. If you aren't careful, you may find yourself out of the tournament in the first run."
"Yes, elder", she replied, nodding her head.
"Now is there anything you want to ask of me?"
He took another swig of wine from his gourd only adding to his relaxed attitude.
This was when Ming Yue asked him of the strange statue as well as the words she found written at the pedestal. As she spoke, the elder's face turned into a surprised expression before ending with a serious tone.
"This...I do not know much of it. Based on your description, it can only be a place of bitter cultivation for an expert of a previous era. Those words do sound familiar though. "Cut down everything..." those words show confidence, bordering on arrogance almost, and yet it shows their dedication. I suppose this could only be from one person, a rather old and hidden piece of legend."
Setting the gourd down, the elder stood up allowing his dark blue robes to flow. He walked into the depths of the Sword Hall, digging around before finding a very old and thin book. Wiping the dust off, he looked at the words, feeling doubtful of his guess but nevertheless telling Ming Yue.
"As you know the Warlord Age came before our current time, the Sovereign Age. It was a time of constant battle and chaos but also brought about a wealth of talent that we may never see again. From this abundance of talent, there were many famed figures, godly warriors, holy healers, and much more. As for the one I speak of, this person is a very mysterious and secluded. No one knows if this person was a man or woman."
The elder then handed the book to Ming Yue, who then read the words on it.
"The Lunatic Sword..." she mouthed the words, reading them in her mind.
"Yes, the Lunatic Sword was their official name. However, they were better known as the Lunar Executioner. Why, you may ask? That is because this person is the only one who has been able to slice the moon. Standing at the highest mountain peak, the Lunatic Sword launched one devastating attack that reached the moon and marked it."
As he spoke, he showed a rare emotion of passion.
"This was an event everyone had seen and felt however, that was the only feat this person had. Outside of this, no one has seen nor heard any news of this person. They could only guess that this person has pursued the path of the sword to the point of insanity, hence the "Lunatic Sword" title. However with how mysterious this person was, many did not believe that a person such as this existed. Even the strongest of warriors believed that but that may be because no one could replicate such a terrifying attack as that."
The elder pointed at the book, explaining its origin.
"There were some who believed that the Lunatic Sword existed and traveled extensively to find this person. This book is a record of anything that could possibly relate. This is also why I'm am hesitant that my guess is correct. What you've discovered may just be a space for cultivation or a shrine to some ancient master. The chances that this could be from the Lunatic Sword is low. At the same time, the Black Peak Mountains are some of the tallest ones out there with the Merciless Storm Peak towering above them all."
Ming Yue flipped through the book. She was interested but also skeptical, a master swordsman that might not even exist. Was there a point in pursuing this? She wasn't sure and gave back the book.
"A master like this, I wonder how many years it took to reach that sort of level."
"Hah, don't count on it. You'd have better chances winning the tournament than being able to match that sort of power."
He laughed out loud and sent Ming Yue on her way. As she left, he looked at the aged book in his hands before putting it away.
"The Lunatic Sword huh."
He turned quiet, setting his wine gourd down and leaving the Sword Hall. Where he went, no one knew.
With her business and errands completed, Ming Yue trained until midnight and spent the early morning cultivating. It calmed her mind and allowed her to collect her thoughts. She did not think of anything but the tournament. After that, perhaps she will think of her next step.
She opened her eyes and left her quarters. Xiao Yin was perched on her shoulder while Hei Yue walked next to her. She walked through the halls just as many other disciples. Like a river, they all headed in the same direction and the same place. Rather than go to the training fields where it was spacious, they gathered at the center of the Institution, surrounded by the many spires.
Ming Yue had come here before but found nothing special about this place. This was a large garden in between the towers and facilities of the Institution and it was meant to be a place to be outside and relax under the sky. There were a few pavilions and small rivers and ponds. It was a well-maintained place.
"Ming Yue! You're here!"
Standing around, Ming Yue heard a cheerful girl's voice as two people came up to her.
"Anqing, Xukun, It is good to see you two."
She spoke to them in a warm tone as the three began to talk with each other. It seemed that the two had been successful in their respective cultivations. Anqing had brought her Poison Body under control while Xukun had become proficient in using two flying swords at once. It could be said that they had reached a completely new realm compared to before. Not to mention, their cultivation in which both were at the fourth stage of the Earth Realm, Perception. At this stage, they had the ability to manipulate the World's Energy well and gained the ability of flight.
Despite Ming Yue being a stage below the two, they did not treat her any differently. This was a friend that risked their lives for the pair and cultivation was not everything. Although Ming Yue's cultivation did not change in these past months, they could feel the jump in her combat prowess.
Deep into their conversation, someone appeared within the biggest pavilion of the garden, a very young boy to that.