Ning Shao recalled the awe and chaos these phenomena had stirred. Only awakenings of Earth-Grade or higher Physiques, Constitutions, or Spiritual Roots were capable of manifesting phenomena to begin with.
However, it was said that these two phenomena were among the most legendary awakenings in the sect's history.
Ning Shao's eyes narrowed. The commotion was so great that visitors from far and wide flocked to the sect, bearing gifts to witness the two figures behind the phenomena. But the sect's higher-ups declared their training off-limits, sealing an entire area of the Mystic Evergreen Forest to ensure no interruptions for three days.
Her thoughts drifted to the first phenomenon, still vivid in her memory. The vision depicted a saintly figure wielding a radiant sword, radiating divine might and unshakable power. With a single wrathful swing toward the mortal realm, mountains crumbled, rivers were torn asunder, and the earth itself seemed to bow before his fury.
Then, turning his rage to the heavens, he swung his sword skyward with unparalleled might, as if challenging the gods and immortals themselves.
This strike was far more devastating than the first, its sheer force threatening to rend the heavens and shatter the fabric of existence. In that moment, it was clear—under the vast expanse of heaven, there was no being who could stand as his equal.
Ning Shao sighed inwardly. Everyone had concluded that the phenomenon marked the awakening of the Heavenly-Grade Peerless Sword Body, the same legendary occurrence described in the records about the Sect Founder.
Yet, the identity of the individual behind it remained a closely guarded secret. The sect's leadership took every measure to secure the area, forbidding anyone from approaching during those three fateful days. So, it was Yang Lie who awakened that Physique.
Her thoughts drifted to the second phenomenon, sending a shiver down her spine as she recalled its terrifying nature. It was even more unsettling than the first. Shrouded in mystery, the entire sky was consumed by an absolute, pitch-black darkness, casting the world into an ominous void. For a moment, it felt as though the end of the world had descended upon them.
Ordinary cultivators were rendered blind, unable to see anything but the oppressive shadow, though it was rumored that stronger cultivators might have been able to pierce through the darkness with their heightened senses.
The energy fluctuations originating from the Mystic Evergreen Forest were so vast and chaotic that even the higher-ups of the sect couldn't pinpoint the individual responsible.
Desperate for answers, they had compiled a list of every person who had entered the Mystic Evergreen Forest in the last six months, painstakingly investigating them one by one in an effort to identify the person behind the phenomenon.
No one could determine the rank of this mysterious awakening, as there was no record of such an occurrence in history. Whispers, however, suggested it might surpass even the Heavenly-Grade.
Despite the uncertainty, experts unanimously agreed on one fact: the phenomenon was tied to a Constitution Awakening of unparalleled and extraordinary magnitude.
In addition, there were two instances of Sword Aura Awakenings—one being the legendary Golden Sword Aura and the other, the enigmatic and foreboding Dark Sword Aura.
While the Dark Sword Aura exuded an eerie, mysterious presence that left many feeling deeply unsettled. Some speculated that the enigmatic Constitution Awakening might be connected to the individual who had unlocked the Dark Sword Aura, but no one could confirm this with certainty.
However, it was the Legendary Golden Sword Aura that truly captured the sect's collective attention. Its dazzling brilliance and overwhelming power were so extraordinary that even the Sect Master had issued a decree, offering special resources to the disciple who possessed it. And that disciple was also none other than Yang Lie.
As if the Golden Sword Aura and Peerless Sword Body wasn't enough, Yang Lie also possessed the Divine Insight Eyes—an ability once held by the revered fourth-generation Sect Master. It was said to be a gift from the heavens, capable of unraveling even the most intricate mysteries.
At its full potential, this ability could replicate an opponent's techniques flawlessly, unravel even the most advanced stealth methods, expose weaknesses in any formation or array, and pierce through illusions—save for those crafted by the elusive Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.
It even allowed its wielder to predict attack trajectories, sword paths, and strategies with terrifying precision. And now, this celestial gift belonged to Yang Lie. Truly, he was no ordinary genius; he was a Heavenly Genius.
Niu Ling, you're done for this time, Ning Shao thought inwardly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of satisfaction. You've tangled with the wrong person.
"Ning Shao," Niu Ling commanded, his tone sharp and impatient, "send this Shadow Recording Stone to Young Master Zhen Xie immediately. That bastard Yang Lie must be dealt with swiftly before he grows stronger or, worse, gets accepted as a personal disciple of an Elder or Great Elder."
"Also, reach out to the family of the man who sent this Shadow Recording Stone and was killed by Yang Lie," Niu Ling added, his tone indifferent. "Provide them with some rations and gold coins. At the very least, he proved somewhat useful before his death—if not for his efforts, more of our men would have fallen to Yang Lie's hand."
Niu Ling's expression darkened, his voice dripping with menace as he continued, "I will make sure to avenge him. That bastard dared to kill my men—an act tantamount to defying my authority. He will regret ever provoking me, Niu Ling."
"Understood, Young Master," Ning Shao responded with a bow. She hesitated briefly before asking, "And should I inform the families of the others who fell to Yang Lie?"
"No need," Niu Ling said dismissively, his tone cold and indifferent. "They were worthless—their deaths are insignificant."