The other girl, dressed in blue robes that gave her the air of a princess or an heir to some great family, turned to her. "Come, Taitai. Let's go see who's breaking through the Sword Peak," she said, before leaping into the air, her body gliding gracefully toward the mountain.
At the Sword Peak, Dao Wei found himself bound by massive golden chains that seemed to materialize from thin air. The chains, known as Celestial Chains, were designed to restrict movement, rendering their victim helpless. The chains held his arms apart, immobilized his legs, and constricted his waist and back. The Celestial Chains were designed to restrain even the most powerful cultivators, making escape nearly impossible.
Dao Wei's eyes narrowed as he assessed his situation. The chains were formidable, but not unbeatable. He tried to move his hands, to channel his sword Qi, but the chains held fast, preventing even the slightest movement.
A grin spread across his face, one that was both defiant and fierce. "Haa! You really want to hold me back with some cheap tricks?" he roared, laughing menacingly as Tian emerged from his glabella. In a flash, Tian shot out moving with a speed that defied comprehension. The chains that had bound him shattered into pieces, the golden fragments scattering like dust in the wind.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
In a single breath, the Celestial Chains shattered into pieces of golden debris.
"What?!" The gathered disciples and elders below the Sword Peak were stunned. The speed of Dao Wei's sword movement had been so fast that almost no one had seen what actually happened. All they knew was that Dao Wei had roared and laughed, and then the chains had broken.
But in truth, what Dao Wei had done was considered 'impossible' in swordsmanship. To control a flying sword required precise hand gestures, but Dao Wei had commanded his sword with nothing but his thoughts. This feat was something even the Supreme Elder wasn't sure he could accomplish. Dao Wei's actions proved his unparalleled mastery of swordsmanship.
Dong!!!
Dong!!!
The bells rang out again, the sound resonating through the Sect. This time, the significance was even greater.
"S-seventh level?"
"H-He reached level seven?!" The disciples at the foot of the Sword Peak were in an uproar, unable to contain their astonishment. It was unheard of for someone to ascend so quickly, especially on their first attempt.
"Who... who is this little demon?!" one of the disciples muttered, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and admiration.
The gathered disciples could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Dao Wei, on his first visit to the Sword Peak, had ascended to the seventh level—a feat that was both monstrous and terrifyingly impossible.
As the shockwaves of Dao Wei's achievement spread through the crowd, two figures on a flying cloud drew everyone's attention. The first was a young girl in blue, her regal bearing marking her as someone of great importance. Beside her was Taitai, the girl in yellow, her eyes wide with amazement.
The beautiful girl in blue robes watched intently, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Taitai, who is this person breaking through the Sword Peak?" she asked her companion.
The male disciples below, already captivated by the trial, were further entranced when they noticed the two girls on the flying cloud. "Look! It's Fairy Li Hua! She also came out!" one disciple exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.
There were ten fairies in the mortal world, each one an embodiment of beauty and talent, and Li Hua was among the most revered. For a moment, the entire crowd forgot about Dao Wei, their attention stolen by the breathtaking vision above. Li Hua's beauty was the kind that could incite wars between nations, and no one wanted to miss the chance to bask in her presence.
The commotion only intensified when the Six Core disciples arrived. These figures, the so-called Heirs of the Sword God Sect, were rarely seen together, and their appearance here signaled the significance of Dao Wei's trial.
The air buzzed with excitement as the disciples gathered below Sword Peak, their eyes drawn toward the majestic mountain that towered above them. The Six Core disciples descended the stone steps with an air of effortless grace, their gold and yellow robes shimmering in the sunlight, a testament to their esteemed status within the Sect.
Leading the group was Lu Shen, the eldest male. At just nineteen, his presence was commanding, his tall, muscular frame exuding strength. His sharp, chiseled features gave him the appearance of a young war god. His hair, as dark as a raven's wing, was tied back into a neat topknot, accentuating the intensity of his piercing black eyes.
Beside him was Wei Jun, the youngest of the Six, yet no less impressive. Wei Jun was slender, with an athletic build that hinted at his unparalleled speed and agility. A faint scar ran across his right cheek, a reminder of a past duel, adding a layer of mystery to his otherwise youthful appearance. His eyes, a striking shade of amber, gleamed with mischief and confidence.
Walking just behind them were the four female disciples, each as radiant as the morning sun, yet with an aura of lethal elegance. Li Mei, a stunning beauty with long, flowing hair the color of midnight, walked with a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling like onyx. Zhang Ruolan, her polar opposite, had short, jet-black hair and a fierce, angular face, her intense jade eyes revealing her unyielding determination.
Feng Xiaoyue, with her calming presence and serene blue eyes, moved with the fluidity of a dancer. Her long, silver hair contrasted beautifully with her fair skin, making her a beacon of hope among the Six. Finally, there was Yue Ling, the quietest yet perhaps the most dangerous of them all. Her petite stature and delicate features belied the lethal skills she possessed, her striking violet eyes holding a depth that few could fathom.
As the Six Core disciples reached the base of Sword Peak, the gathered disciples fell silent, their admiration palpable. The presence of the Six, the pride of the Sect, added immense pressure on Dao Wei. Yet, it also fueled the growing excitement among the crowd. This was no ordinary trial; it had become an event that would be remembered for ages.
The stage was set, and all eyes turned to the Peak.
Dong!!!
Everyone had their faces full of disbelief and astonishment. The tall handsome guy from the entrance was even more astonished with a wide open mouth but did not know what to say.
However, that was just the beginning. "Hum! " Before they could react, the 8th stage opened up.
"The Level Eight! " Having seen that, all of the disciples who were gathered there held their breath for a second. It was the first time in the history of the Sword God Sect for a newcomer to ascend Level 8. At most, they'd only reach level 5, yet this unknown little demon reached the so-called last level on his first time.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting sharp shadows on the ancient stone steps of the Sword Peak. Dao Wei's breath was steady as he ascended to the eighth level, each step bringing him closer to the most daunting challenge yet. The air grew heavier with each stride, as if the very atmosphere recognized the gravity of the trial he was about to face.