Yun Xiao stood firm as Yao Qingqian approached, her anger palpable. The air between them crackled with tension, an unspoken challenge hanging heavy. He had seen many beautiful women in his travels, but her ethereal elegance and fierce demeanor marked her as extraordinary, a powerful figure that commanded attention.
"Disciple Yun Xiao pays respects to Elder," he greeted, ignoring the simmering rage radiating from her. He performed a respectful salute to the gathered elders, their gazes appraising him with a mixture of surprise and intrigue.
Yao Qingqian's eyes were like ice, simmering with indignation. "Do you understand what you've done?" she snapped, her voice laced with fury. The humiliation of Jiang Yue, who had not only failed to secure victory but was reduced to a pitiful state before the crowd, ignited her wrath. How could she face Ye Guying after such a disaster?
"I don't," Yun Xiao replied, his tone steady and unwavering as he faced the sword stage.
"Your actions on the Ascending to Heaven Road—your cruel methods—reveal your tyrannical nature. You are unfit for the Blue Soul," Yao Qingqian declared, attempting to intimidate him with her presence, her power like a tidal wave pressing down on him.
Yun Xiao was unyielding. "If I remember correctly, the mortality rate on the Ascending to Heaven Road is 10%, mostly due to disciples fighting one another. I did not kill anyone, so how can I be deemed tyrannical?" His argument reverberated through the crowd, the elders exchanging glances of disbelief.
"Do you dare to contradict me?" Yao Qingqian's voice was icy, a clear threat hiding beneath her words.
"Only with reason," Yun Xiao replied coolly, unfazed by her intimidating demeanor. "Why do you single me out? Is there a predetermined candidate you wish to protect?" He gestured dismissively at Jiang Yue, who was struggling to regain her composure, bloodied and humiliated. "Is this the 'gifted talent' you speak of?"
"You are courting death!" Yao Qingqian seethed, her rage boiling over.
At that moment, Yu Elder stepped in between them, sensing the escalation. "Let's not create a scene on such an important occasion! This is a formal gathering, after all," he said, trying to diffuse the tension as he patted Yun Xiao on the shoulder, his demeanor shifting to one of camaraderie. "You're quite the spirited one! But it seems you've ruffled some feathers."
"Disciple has aspired to join the Blue Soul for many years; today is merely the culmination of that dream," Yun Xiao responded earnestly, his gaze unwavering.
"Ah, you must be cautious. Yao is just teasing you," Yu Elder remarked, a lighthearted chuckle escaping him.
"Teasing? I have not made a joke!" Yao Qingqian shot back, her eyes narrowing at him.
Yu Elder blinked in surprise. "What do you mean? You're kicking a youth when he's down! Jiang Yue is your cousin, after all…"
The elders exchanged uncertain glances, the atmosphere thick with confusion. Wu Elder stood silently, a grim expression on his face as he observed the unfolding drama.
"Yu Xuanzhou, if you speak again, you might find your days numbered," Yao Qingqian warned, her voice a low hiss.
"Yes, yes! I know my place," Yu Elder muttered, deferring to her authority, his tone more respectful now.
Finally, Yao Qingqian relented, her fury directed elsewhere. She turned to Jiang Yue, who was struggling to her feet. With urgency, she produced a jade bottle, pouring out several white jade pills. She offered some to Jiang Yue while applying a healing ointment to her wounds, which were ugly and extensive, making her look like a bloody canvas.
"Stay still! This will help," Yao Qingqian said sharply, her anger momentarily set aside as she focused on her cousin's injuries.
The sight of the battered Jiang Yue, wounded and humiliated, only fueled Yao Qingqian's rage further. "If it weren't for the risk to my reputation, I would have that boy killed right here!" she declared through gritted teeth, the weight of her fury evident.
Though she held back, her resolve was clear: if not for the potential consequences, she would not hesitate to exact her vengeance on Yun Xiao. The tension in the air lingered, thick with the unspoken promise of retribution.
Jiang Yue's voice was barely above a whisper, "Yao Elder, it's just that I'm not as skilled as others…"
"What do you mean not as skilled? Don't be foolish; this person merely has more fighting experience," Yao Qingqian reassured her, her tone both comforting and firm. "In cultivation, it's time and experience that matter most. Talent is what determines how far you can truly go."
"Truly! I've only been in the Immortal realm for three months. I've hardly fought at all," Jiang Yue replied, her voice tinged with grievance.
"That's alright," Yao Qingqian said, pointing in a specific direction. "Look over there."
Following her finger, Jiang Yue's gaze landed on a large stone at the center of a stage surrounded by eight stone chairs. The stone was circular, adorned with an intricate design of a Yin-Yang fish—one side black and the other white.
"That's the Sword Stone!" Yao Qingqian explained excitedly.
"I heard from Senior Brother Ye that it can test the quality of one's Sword Soul?" Jiang Yue's eyes brightened with intrigue.
"Exactly! He mentioned that your Ice Moon Sword Soul is likely at the high-grade Kaiyang level. Do you know what that means?" Yao Qingqian admired her potential.
"I don't know," Jiang Yue shook her head, curiosity and hope mingling in her expression.
"The Sword Stone test means you possess the highest talent in the Blue Soul! If you can make the Sword Stone emit a deep orange light, it'll draw attention from all sects and you won't need to take the Ascending to Heaven Road to prove your worth. You will amaze everyone and secure your place among the generation of Heaven's Chosen!" Yao Qingqian said, a broad smile lighting up her face.
"Really?!" Jiang Yue exclaimed, the earlier humiliation and despair beginning to fade, replaced by a glimmer of self-confidence.
"Yu Elder will certainly regret underestimating you once he realizes you're at the high-grade Kaiyang level!" Yao Qingqian sneered, her competitive spirit ignited.
"He thinks I'm at a low-grade Kaiyang level?" Jiang Yue shot a furious glance at Yu Elder, her spirit rising despite the earlier defeat.
"Remember, sister, losing to a desperate person means nothing. You are destined to become an extremely powerful figure in the Blue Soul. One loss doesn't define you!" Yao Qingqian spoke sincerely.
"Thank you, Yao Elder," Jiang Yue said, genuinely moved.
"Just call me Sister Yao," Yao Qingqian replied, her tone softening.
Jiang Yue couldn't help but wonder if calling her "Sister Yao" would incite Ye Guying's ire. "Yes, Sister Yao," she replied, her eyes now fixed on the Sword Stone. "When do I get to test it?"
"Don't be in a hurry. We'll wait for the ten new disciples to come out first. Then you can have your turn!" Yao Qingqian said, shooting a cold glance at Yun Xiao. "That short-lived ghost will soon know his place."
"Okay!" Jiang Yue nodded eagerly, anticipation building within her as she looked towards the Sword Stone, her determination renewed.
After about half an hour, the ten new disciples emerged.
"Ye Guao?" Yao Qingqian thought to herself, feeling a sense of foreboding. She had never imagined that this boastful young man would struggle even to ascend the stone-paved path.
"In comparison to his elder brother, he's truly lacking," she mused, recalling how Yun Xiao had defeated the blood monster.
Resigned to her fate, she decided to first distribute the rewards from the Ascending to Heaven Road before leading the ten new disciples to the Sword Stone for their tests. Only the first three would receive rewards.
"First up, Yun Xiao!" Yao Qingqian announced, trying to maintain her composure. She presented him with a bag containing the bones of a monster, her elegant features twitching as she spoke. "Here's your reward: 500 years of monster bone!"
Even sealed, the bag was heavy with the fierce aura of monster qi. Upon receiving it, Yun Xiao opened the sack, revealing a dull purple bone stained with blood—a clear sign of its ominous origin.
"500 years? This is the bone of a monster king!" he exclaimed, realizing the immense value of the prize. Monster kings were legendary creatures, feared across the land. It was said that a single monster could leave countless corpses in its wake.
Jiang Yue felt a pang of envy as she watched Yun Xiao, who seemed indifferent to such a precious treasure, treating it as just another acquisition.
"Fortunately, Yao Qingqian is bringing the people to the Sword Stone," she thought, her chance was coming.
The ten new disciples stood beneath the giant stone as Yao Qingqian addressed them. "This is the Diode Sword Stone. Do you see the two fish eyes?"
"We see!" the disciples responded nervously, anticipation coursing through them.
"Those are the two Sword Holes of the Sword Stone. Your group will insert your Sword Souls into the black and white holes. The Sword Stone will absorb the power of Yin and Yang from the world, and the color of the stone will reflect your Sword Soul's quality. Depending on your Sword Soul's level, the colors will vary," Yao Qingqian explained with a cold authority.
"This process will measure both of your Sword Souls at the same time! The black fish and white barbel will change colors, indicating your relative talents. If the disparity is too great, it could lead to a significant difference in results."
"Yes!" the disciples replied, their nerves palpable.
"Within the Blue Soul, only this Diode Sword Stone exists. Therefore, you haven't known your true Sword Soul's quality until now," Yao Qingqian said, her gaze fixed on Yun Xiao, a hint of challenge in her tone. She wanted him to realize just how high Jiang Yue's potential was.
"The Yaoguang level is divided into high, middle, and low, represented by light red, red, and dark red. The Kaiyang level is also divided into high, middle, and low, shown by shallow orange, orange, and deep orange."
In an effort to diminish Yun Xiao's confidence, Yao Qingqian deliberately paired him with Jiang Yue. She hoped Jiang Yue's Sword Soul would cause the Sword Stone to shine with a deep orange hue—far surpassing the light orange that Yun Xiao might achieve.
The atmosphere was electric as Jiang Yue faced the daunting presence of the sword reverent. The words hung heavily in the air, and she could feel the weight of their meaning. Every disciple around them was captivated, their breaths held in anticipation
"Jiang Yue," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, but the intensity of the moment imbued her with a newfound courage. The sword reverent's gaze was piercing, searching for something within her.
"What do you seek?" His voice was deep, resonating with authority, and it sent a shiver down Jiang Yue's spine.
"I... I seek to prove myself," she declared, summoning every ounce of confidence she could muster. "To show that I can surpass my limits and uphold the honor of Blue Soul!"
A flicker of interest crossed the sword reverent's face. "Prove yourself?" He leaned slightly closer, his intense gaze never leaving her. "How will you do that?"
Jiang Yue's heart raced as she recalled her recent encounter with Yun Xiao. She remembered the determination that had surged within her during their test. "I will surpass my Sword Soul's limits and strive to reach the Kaiyang level," she proclaimed, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I want to bring glory to our sect and become a powerful sword cultivator!"
The sword reverent considered her words, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Boldness is commendable, but talent is tested in battle. Are you prepared for what lies ahead?"
Jiang Yue nodded vigorously, feeling a sense of conviction blossom within her. "Yes! I will not shy away from any challenge!"
At that moment, the sword reverent's expression softened, and he straightened up, his demeanor shifting from intimidating to encouraging. "Very well, Jiang Yue. Keep that fire in your heart. Remember, every sword cultivator faces trials. It is your resolve that will guide you through them."
He turned his attention back to the crowd, his presence commanding respect. "As for you all," he addressed the gathered disciples, "let today be a lesson. Every setback is an opportunity for growth. The path of the sword is fraught with challenges, but it is how you respond to them that defines your journey."
Jiang Yue felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had held her ground, and her determination had shone through. But amidst her triumph, a flicker of doubt returned as she glanced at Yun Xiao. He had been the catalyst for her transformation, yet the stark contrast of their Sword Souls still lingered in her mind.
Before she could dwell on her thoughts, the sword reverent continued, "Now, as for you, Yun Xiao," his sharp gaze fixed on him. "Your potential is undeniable, but with great power comes greater responsibility. How will you wield your strength?"
Yun Xiao stepped forward, his demeanor calm despite the weight of the question. "I will use my strength to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I seek not just power for its own sake, but the wisdom to know when to act."
A murmur of approval rippled through the onlookers. The sword reverent nodded, clearly impressed. "A noble aspiration. If you can harness your abilities and remain true to your convictions, you will go far. But remember, the path will not be easy."
As the tension in the air began to dissipate, Yao Qingqian stepped up beside Jiang Yue, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. "You both have the potential to become extraordinary sword cultivators. Focus on your strengths, learn from your experiences, and support one another."
"Thank you, Sister Yao," Jiang Yue replied, her spirits lifted by the encouragement. She looked back at Yun Xiao, who seemed lost in thought, as if contemplating the weight of his own potential.
"Let this day mark the beginning of your true journeys," the sword reverent concluded, his voice resonating with authority. "May you carve your paths with determination and honor. Blue Soul will be watching your every step."
With those parting words, the sword reverent and his entourage began to move away, leaving a mixture of awe and excitement in their wake. The crowd began to disperse, but the energy of the moment lingered, igniting ambitions and dreams in every disciple's heart.
As Jiang Yue stood beside Yun Xiao, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Today had marked a turning point, not only in her own journey but in her perception of Yun Xiao. She could not ignore the path ahead, nor the challenges they would face together.
"Yun Xiao," she said, breaking the silence, "I want to work with you. Together, we can push each other to become stronger."
He looked at her, surprise flickering across his features. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," she replied, determination flooding her voice. "If we challenge each other, we can both reach our full potential."
Yun Xiao nodded slowly, a faint smile creeping onto his lips. "Alright, let's do this."
With their pact formed, the duo stood on the precipice of a new adventure, their futures intertwined as they prepared to face whatever trials awaited them on their path to becoming formidable sword cultivators in the world of Blue Soul.