The tension in the hall deepened as the Sword Cloud disciples listened to the Sword Lord's decree. Yun Xiao, standing firm, knew the gravity of the challenge ahead.
The room buzzed with murmurs as the young sword cultivators digested the implications. Lin Chen, seething with resentment, locked eyes with Yun Xiao. "The Son of God couldn't even fall to you," Lin Chen said mockingly. "What makes you think you can defeat the Taboo Tower's nine Heaven's Chosen? Your Sword Soul talent doesn't guarantee speed in your breakthroughs. Can your teacher even wait for you for decades?"
Unfazed, Yun Xiao replied calmly, "You don't need to worry about me. Just focus on yourself."
This remark only fueled Lin Chen's irritation, but Yun Xiao had no interest in petty exchanges. His focus was on the challenges ahead, especially with Lin Chen and his sister Lin Lin—children of the Sword Lord—openly antagonistic toward him.
The Sword Lord, sensing the growing hostility, intervened. "Hot-blooded competition among the young is natural," he said in a tone of tempered authority. "But remember this: you are Sword Cloud disciples. You are swords of potential and strength, and your rivalry must never devolve into murderous intent. Use your strength to push each other to greater heights, not destruction."
Yun Xiao nodded in agreement, while Lin Chen remained silent, his fists clenched tightly. The Sword Lord turned back to Yun Xiao and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Prepare yourself tonight," he said. "Tomorrow, you will undergo the Sword Cloud *obeisance sword ceremony*."
Curious, Yun Xiao asked, "What is the *obeisance sword ceremony*, Sword Lord?"
The Sword Lord explained with a solemn tone, "It is a ritual to honor the Sword Cloud ancestors in the Ancestor Sword Hall. As part of the ceremony, you will face challenges from your peers—any Sword Cloud disciple within three years of your age. The goal is to demonstrate your worthiness to the ancestors and secure their acknowledgment. How old are you, Yun Xiao?"
"Sixteen," Yun Xiao replied, his voice steady.
The response elicited sneers from Lin Lin and several others. "Sixteen?" Lin Lin repeated with a mocking smile. "That makes him the youngest Few Sword Lord in history—and probably the weakest!"
Her taunt struck a nerve among the disciples. The title of Few Sword Lord was meant to signify strength and prestige, yet Yun Xiao's reputation suggested otherwise. Whispers of doubt spread through the hall.
Ignoring the jeers, Yun Xiao asked the Sword Lord directly, "How do I win or lose in the ceremony?"
The Sword Lord explained, "As Few Sword Lord, you must achieve total victory—win every duel—to formally claim the title and the rank's practicing resources. If you lose even once, you'll be demoted to the rank of Young Sword Lord, with reduced resources. However, you'll still retain the nominal title of Few Sword Lord."
"What happens if I lose repeatedly?" Yun Xiao pressed.
"If you fail three years in a row," Lin Lin interjected with a smirk, "you lose the title entirely."
The implications were clear. Yun Xiao's path to proving himself was fraught with challenges. He glanced at Lin Chen and the other young sword lords, all of whom looked at him with cold, calculating eyes. They wouldn't make this easy for him.
Standing beside Yun Xiao, Ning Yan broke the tension with a chuckle. "Yun Xiao, don't you want to know the difference in resources between Few Sword Lord and Young Sword Lord?" she teased, her voice soft and affectionate.
"Please enlighten me, Ning Dajian Revere," Yun Xiao replied politely.
Her smile faltered as she frowned. "Call me Auntie Ning."
Yun Xiao hesitated but finally relented. "...Auntie Ning."
Satisfied, she explained, "As a Young Sword Lord, you'd receive 300,000 spirit crystals annually and some qualifications to challenge from the third-level azure kite. But as Few Sword Lord..." Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "You'd earn 1 million spirit crystals, ten Source Pills of the highest grade, and the right to challenge the tenth-level azure kites directly!"
The disciples gasped in awe. The disparity in rewards was staggering. Even Yun Xiao, who rarely showed emotion, was momentarily taken aback.
"One million spirit crystals and ten Source Pills?" he murmured. "And the tenth-level azure kites?"
"Indeed," Ning Yan confirmed with a proud smile. "But those rewards are for the Few Sword Lord who proves their worth. Now, prepare yourself for tomorrow's ceremony. Show the Sword Cloud ancestors your strength—and silence those who doubt you."
Yun Xiao clenched his fists, determination flaring in his eyes. He had a long night of preparation ahead, but he was ready. This was the path he had chosen, and he would see it through, no matter the cost.
"Alright!" The Sword Lord smiled and said to Yun Xiao and Lin Chen, "You young people all have a common goal, you can play together! Lin Chen, you are the elder brother, take care of Yun Xiao, alright?"
"Yes, Father!" Lin Chen nodded.
"Lin Lin." The Sword Lord turned to the beautiful woman in a light yellow skirt, her white legs exposed. "Yun Xiao will stay at your 'Listening to Wind Pavilion' temporarily. You are responsible for showing him around Sword Cloud and taking care of his personal habits!"
"??" Lin Lin immediately flushed.She cursed Yun Xiao under her breath!
They were even forced to live together?And to take care of his personal habits?
Wasn't this an attack on her?
Numerous elders heard this and their eyelids twitched.
They understood the Sword Lord's intentions!
Let Lin Lin sever ties with the son of the Taboo Tower, and then let Yun Xiao get close to her. Maybe something will develop between them.
The marriage between Taboo Tower and Sword Cloud had become quite popular in recent years!
The Sword Lord was really starting with his own daughter—he was completely breaking ties!
Could they really disregard face for a talent like this?
Everyone lowered their heads, silent, but their hearts were in turmoil.
"Lets hold the 'Sword Cloud Meeting'!"
The Sword Lord declared, waving his sleeve, heading toward the Jade Yang Building.
The Sword Cloud Meeting!
A discussion on important matters!
How to resist the Taboo Tower!
As soon as the people heard it, they knew what was being decided could not be undone!
"Yes!"
The Sword Cloud elders and powerhouses gathered toward the Jade Yang Building.
They passed by and glanced at Yun Xiao.
"His Sword Soul is high, but it will take time to mature. Probably more than ten years? By then, will Sword Cloud still be around?"
"I know the Sword Lord has been aggrieved these years, but this decision is really dangerous. Each of us, before advancing to the Gate of Death..."
"What can we do? He is the Sword Lord!"
"We must discuss how to accelerate the development. Ye Guying from the Taboo Tower may have a weaker Sword Soul talent than Yun Xiao, but his Nine Dragons Dantian can accelerate his boundary promotion. He's more suitable for our Sword Cloud!"
They looked quietly at Yun Xiao, their deep eyes hiding murderous intent.
More and more elders entered the Jade Yang Building!
"Heh."
The young sword lords sneered at Yun Xiao, then turned and swaggered off.
They had no interest in Yun Xiao.
Yun Xiao sneered back, "This Sword Cloud is worth a million spirit crystals, ten Day Source Pills, and ten levels of azure kites!"
Except for the Sword Cloud Sword Lord, the rest weren't worth mentioning.
Not every place could make Yun Xiao feel so deeply like Sword Pavilion did!
"Country bumpkin, you'll have to do the sword ceremony tomorrow. My brothers will oppress you! They are no weaker than Brother Chu!" Lin Lin snorted, turning away, her small waist swaying. She had no intention of settling things with Yun Xiao.
"Wait."
As she passed by, Yun Xiao suddenly grabbed her by the neck, lifting her as though she were a small rabbit.
"What are you doing?" Lin Lin glared at him, threatening.
"Your father said to lead me to your 'Listening to Wind Pavilion,' so I'm staying." Yun Xiao said.
"You wish!" Lin Lin gritted her teeth, this was her boudoir, and the son of God hadn't even gone yet!
"I'm a Sword Lord. If you don't obey, I'll slap you across the face." Yun Xiao coldly said.
"I Dare you?" Lin Lin glared, her eyes reddening with anger.
Slap!
Yun Xiao's palm struck her face.
"!"
The young lady stared in shock, covering her face, crying, tears flowing like a hurricane.
The tension in the air thickened as Lin Lin's wails echoed through the hall. Yun Xiao, unflinching, lowered his hand, his gaze cold and unyielding. The slap wasn't just about asserting his authority—it was a declaration. In this world of swords and pride, respect wasn't granted; it was taken.
The onlookers froze, unsure whether to intervene or let the situation unfold. Lin Lin, the pampered daughter of the Sword Lord, had never been treated with anything less than deference. Now, tears streamed down her cheeks, her trembling hands clutching her reddened face.
"You dare—!" she began, her voice breaking with anger and humiliation.
Yun Xiao cut her off with a voice as sharp as the blade he carried. "Your father commanded you to guide me. If you won't listen, I'll make you listen. Few Sword Lord or not, I will not tolerate disrespect. Now, lead the way."
Lin Lin's eyes burned with fury, but her body betrayed her resolve. She turned sharply, her voice choked as she snapped, "Follow me!" Without waiting for his response, she stormed off, leaving the other disciples and elders in stunned silence.
As Yun Xiao followed her, a ripple of whispers spread among the crowd.
"Did he just slap Lin Lin? The Sword Lord's daughter?"
"He's courting death..."
"Or staking his claim as Few Sword Lord. Either way, he's making a statement."
Among the murmurs, Ning Yan smirked, shaking her head lightly. "Bold as ever," she muttered to herself. "This child truly fears nothing."
***
Lin Lin led Yun Xiao to *Listen to Wind Porch*, her strides quick and furious. The ornate porch was nestled among Sword Cloud's scenic courtyards, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing streams. Despite her anger, she couldn't help but glance back at Yun Xiao, who seemed unimpressed by the beauty of the surroundings.
Reaching the entrance, she stopped abruptly and spun to face him. "Here it is," she said curtly. "Don't touch anything, don't break anything, and stay out of my way."
Yun Xiao gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. "I don't need you to tell me how to behave. Your father asked you to assist me, not lecture me."
Lin Lin's fists clenched. "You—"
Yun Xiao ignored her and stepped inside. The interior of *Listen to Wind Porch* was as elegant as its exterior, with delicate furnishings and a serene atmosphere. It was clear this was a place of privilege, meant for someone of Lin Lin's status.
For a moment, Lin Lin stood outside, seething. Then, she entered, slamming the door behind her. "You think you're so important, don't you? Just because you're a Few Sword Lord doesn't mean you can act like you own the place!"
Yun Xiao turned to her, his tone icy. "If you have a problem with me, take it up with your father. Until then, either fulfill your duty or stay out of my sight."
Lin Lin's eyes flashed with defiance, but she said nothing more. She stormed off to her private chambers, leaving Yun Xiao alone in the main hall.
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. The path ahead was treacherous, but he wouldn't be swayed by petty squabbles. Tomorrow's *obeisance sword ceremony* would determine his future—and he intended to claim victory at all costs.