"Saintess must go to the Lingbao Building!" murmurs rippled through the crowd as sword cultivators stepped aside to clear a path.
The Lingbao Building was the tallest and most illustrious structure on Azure Kite Street. As the headquarters of Lingbao Pavilion in the Ten Thousand Swords Sea, it drew the most attention, radiating an air of authority and grandeur.
The crowd's murmur grew louder as the Saintess made her appearance. She wore a pure white short skirt, pristine and flawless, with embellishments of pearl-like ornaments that shimmered faintly. Beneath the skirt, her alabaster skin glowed with a semi-translucent brilliance, like polished jade, perfectly complementing her slender and delicate form.
Her jet-black hair flowed like a waterfall, its stark contrast to the white only emphasizing her ethereal presence. But her face was hidden behind a white tiger mask, painted with dark green accents and streaked with ominous black tiger stripes. The mask's cold, solitary aura gave her an enigmatic yet foreboding demeanor.
Beneath the mask, her eyes glimmered like waves under moonlight—treacherous and unfathomable.
"Strange," Yun Xiao thought, captivated yet unsettled by her presence. Her fragile and graceful demeanor clashed starkly with the ominous energy of the tiger mask, creating a contrast that made his heart pound uneasily.
Lanxing, nestled in Yun Xiao's arms, suddenly trembled with excitement.
"You've struck gold! You've struck gold!" Lanxing exclaimed, clutching Yun Xiao tightly.
"Stop wriggling! How have I struck gold?" Yun Xiao asked, narrowing his eyes.
"She's a Super Seed of Creation!" Lanxing squealed.
"And female!" Chiyue added with an equally excited tone.
"A Seed of Creation? What rank?" Yun Xiao asked, stunned.
"Not sure, but definitely not inferior to Ye Guying!" Lanxing replied.
"Ye Guying? As in the Nine Dragons Dantian Ye Guying?!" Yun Xiao's heart skipped a beat. The Nine Dragons Dantian had elevated Ye Guying into a legend in the Ten Thousand Swords Sea.
"This Saintess could be equally monstrous," Lanxing said. "But wait... something's off!"
"What's off?" Yun Xiao asked, his eyes narrowing as he observed the young girl's every move.
"Her strength is sealed!" Lanxing frowned. "It's preventing me from fully sensing her Seed of Creation's details. That alone speaks volumes about her power."
"How strong are we talking?" Yun Xiao pressed.
"Let's just say we can't gauge her limits. If she's restraining herself, her natural power must be terrifying. Be cautious—this is a truly dangerous character," Lanxing warned.
Yun Xiao exhaled slowly, his eyes following the Saintess as she gracefully entered the Lingbao Building amid the reverent crowd.
Ning Yan, noticing Yun Xiao's fixation, smirked and tapped his shoulder. "Caught your attention, huh?"
"Not really," Yun Xiao replied nonchalantly.
"No one has ever seen her face. She may not even be that attractive," Ning Yan teased.
"Possibly," Yun Xiao said, his curiosity masked by indifference. Then, with a hint of suspicion, he asked, "Why is there such a huge disparity between the Taboo Tower Saintess and their Son of God?"
Ning Yan leaned closer, her fragrance wafting faintly toward him. "Let me tell you a secret," she whispered, her tone almost conspiratorial.
Her words carried unexpected weight. "The Son of God? He's rumored to be the illegitimate child of the Taboo Tower's Lord. His current father is a powerless figurehead, merely holding the position to shield the real patriarch's reputation."
Yun Xiao couldn't help but chuckle. "No wonder his personality is so twisted!"
"Exactly," Ning Yan nodded, her tone shifting to caution. "But this isn't about him. The Saintess is what you should watch out for—Chen Xi."
"Chen Xi?" Yun Xiao glanced back toward the Lingbao Building.
"She's just 15 years old," Ning Yan explained. "Her origin is a mystery, and only the Tower Lord knows where she came from. Despite her youth, she's exceptionally decisive and feared for her ruthlessness."
"How ruthless are we talking?" Yun Xiao asked, intrigued.
"Once, the Tower Lord's biological son—Taboo Tower's former top talent—spoke disrespectfully to her. She executed him publicly, with the Tower Lord's blessing. That same day, she was officially named the Saintess," Ning Yan said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow. "That's... bold."
"But the bright side?" Ning Yan smiled faintly. "She doesn't seem interested in you... yet."
At that moment, Ning Yan pointed ahead, her eyes lighting up. "Look! The Azure Kite Sea is opening!"
Yun Xiao's attention shifted. The chaotic plots, dangerous rivals, and enigmatic figures faded as his focus sharpened on the horizon.
"Be careful," Ning Yan said softly, her voice tinged with concern.
"You worry too much. It's annoying," Yun Xiao replied with a smirk.
Ning Yan rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I just want you alive to protect my Wind Elder Brother."
"Maybe you're compensating for being absent for 22 years?" Yun Xiao teased.
Ning Yan glared at him, her frustration evident. "Impossible! Watch yourself, brat."
With a dismissive laugh, Yun Xiao turned away and stepped forward toward the Azure Kite Sea. "I'll take the lead."
The stage was set. The competition was about to begin.
Amid the vast expanse of azure kite seas, Yun Xiao advanced confidently, his sword guiding him forward through the thick, swirling mist. The air was filled with tension, the crowd of sword cultivators gathered on the balconies of nearby inns and restaurants watching intently. Each observer sipped tea, their conversations filled with speculation and excitement, as they eagerly anticipated the young swordsman's next move.
Yun Xiao's every step seemed to draw attention, his bold spirit pressing down like an unseen force upon the Sword Cloud sect and Taboo Tower's finest talents. These Heaven's Chosen elites, accustomed to dominance, found themselves overshadowed by this single, determined figure.
Ning Yan stood among the crowd, watching Yun Xiao's progress. She couldn't help but reflect on the passage of time. "Am I really old?" she muttered, touching her cheek. "I'm only 38… the years go by so quickly. Now it's all about these 15- and 16-year-olds."
Her thoughts briefly turned to Senior Sister Zhao and Yun Xiao. She chuckled softly to herself. "She's 22, and he's just 16? This is a classic case of an old cow enjoying tender grass! Then again, they say if the woman's older by three years, it's like holding a gold brick… but this? This is like holding two gold bricks!" She sighed, shaking her head. "I just hope this gold brick is worth it."
Meanwhile, in the Lingbao Pavilion's highest room, known as the Shen Xi Pavilion, a young girl dressed in a pure white short skirt gazed out over the azure kite sea. Her hair, black as night, cascaded like a waterfall, while her flawless snow-white clothing and translucent skin gave her an otherworldly beauty. The girl's face was hidden behind a mysterious white tiger mask, adorned with black stripes and green patterns, exuding an air of cold solitude.
Sitting on a luxurious brass bed, the girl reached out her delicate hand. "Pomelo," she called softly. Her gentle voice was cold yet sweet, like a melody carried from distant clouds.
The tiger mask on her face shimmered and melted, transforming into a small, lifelike white tiger with black stripes. The creature, no larger than a housecat, leapt gracefully into her arms, purring softly as she stroked its fur.
"You've found something valuable," the tiger murmured suddenly, its tone proud and slightly playful.
The girl tilted her head, her mist-filled eyes narrowing beneath the mask. "What do you mean?"
------------
The dense mist of the Azure Kite Sea drifted lazily, shrouding its labyrinthine expanse in mystery. Yun Xiao stood on the edge of a third-level Azure Kite zone, gazing at the peculiar messenger bird hovering before him. Its wingspan extended a full three chi, and its presence was anything but ordinary. It exuded a faint monster qi, a subtle but undeniable aura of aggression and life that made it appear almost sentient. Its beady eyes locked onto Yun Xiao's Heaven-Burying Sword Soul, a hunger reflected in their depths.
"A construct of sword qi, monster bone, and rune inscriptions," Yun Xiao muttered to himself, analyzing the creature's composition. "But processed monster bone... interesting." His voice carried a calm detachment, yet his gaze remained sharp, taking in every detail.
The bird's movements were deliberate, as if gauging Yun Xiao's strength. Around him, the Azure Kite Sea buzzed with the presence of hidden entities and boundless energy, all flowing with an ominous rhythm. Yun Xiao smirked, his fingers tightening around his blade. "It wants my Sword Soul," he mused, a tinge of amusement in his tone. "But let's see if it can handle it."
Far away in the Clear Dust Pavilion, the scene was being watched intently. Lin Lin's laughter rang out, mocking yet uneasy. "He's stuck at the third level," she sneered. "Clearly, his supposed talent is all show. What a waste of time."
"Lin Lin," Ning Yan said, her voice cold, "don't speak so lightly. If it were you out there, you'd be lucky to step past the first level."
Lin Lin turned to her, bristling with indignation. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying this Yun Xiao is better than me?"
"I'm saying," Ning Yan replied, her gaze still fixed on the projection of Yun Xiao and the Azure Kite, "that while you busy yourself with petty rivalries, he's carving his way into history. Mock him if you want, but understand this—no one carves characters into the face of Source Pill Realm elders by chance."
The crowd in the pavilion murmured in agreement, their attention locked on the unfolding spectacle. The tension was palpable, the stakes undeniable. Yun Xiao was not just facing a challenge; he was making a statement.
Back in the Azure Kite Sea, Yun Xiao took a step forward. The ground beneath him seemed to tremble as his Sword Soul pulsed with an otherworldly energy. The messenger bird screeched, its cry reverberating across the misty expanse like a battle horn. It dove toward him with astonishing speed, its talons outstretched and glowing with a sharp, cutting aura.
Yun Xiao reacted in an instant. His blade arced upward, meeting the bird's charge with a burst of sword qi. The collision sent shockwaves rippling outward, scattering the mist and revealing the barren expanse of the third-level zone.
The bird was relentless, twisting mid-air and launching another attack. This time, it unleashed a barrage of glowing runes that shimmered like stars before hurtling toward Yun Xiao. Each rune radiated destructive power, their trajectories designed to corner and overwhelm him.
"Interesting," Yun Xiao muttered. He pivoted, his movements fluid and precise. With a flick of his sword, he unleashed a cascade of Heaven-Burying Sword Soul energy, the black and white radiance clashing against the incoming runes. The resulting explosion lit up the sky, and the bird shrieked in fury.
Yun Xiao's smirk widened. "Is that all you've got?"
From the Clear Dust Pavilion, the observers leaned closer, their faces tense. Even Lin Lin had fallen silent, her earlier mockery forgotten. Ning Yan's expression softened into something approaching admiration.
"He's handling the Azure Kite like it's nothing," someone murmured.
"This is the third-level Azure Kite zone," Ning Que said, his voice filled with begrudging respect. "If he's already this dominant..."
"Dominance means nothing if he doesn't finish it," the Buddhist family lord cut in, though even his tone wavered slightly. "Let's see if he can subjugate the Azure Kite without damaging his Sword Soul."
Ning Yan whispered under her breath, "Come on, Yun Xiao. Show them."
In the Azure Kite Sea, the bird's movements became erratic. Its aura flared wildly, a desperate attempt to overpower its adversary. Yun Xiao saw through the ruse. With a deep breath, he drew upon the full might of his Heaven-Burying Sword Soul. His blade became an extension of his will, a force of nature that surged forward in a decisive strike.
The bird shrieked one last time before Yun Xiao's attack engulfed it. Its form disintegrated, leaving behind a core of pure azure energy. Yun Xiao reached out, his expression calm but triumphant, and absorbed the core into his Sword Soul.
The surrounding energy shifted. The Azure Kite Sea seemed to acknowledge his victory, the mist parting slightly as if bowing to him. Yun Xiao stood tall, his figure radiating power and defiance.
In the Clear Dust Pavilion, silence reigned. Then, slowly, a single voice broke the stillness.
"He did it," Ning Yan said, her voice filled with awe. "He really did it."
Lin Lin turned away, her face pale with disbelief. The others could only watch in stunned silence as Yun Xiao, unshaken and unbroken, prepared to move deeper into the Azure Kite Sea. The message was clear: Yun Xiao was not here to survive—he was here to conquer.
The azure kite trembled violently, its body releasing thick, black smoke as the Heaven-Burying Sword Soul pierced through its core. Yun Xiao's eyes gleamed with an icy resolve, unshaken by the eerie hiss escaping the bird-like creature.
Buzz!
The Sword Soul began its work, drawing the azure kite's essence into its ominous lotus-like core. The process wasn't just about destruction; it was an act of absorption—one that demanded precision and resilience. Yun Xiao's breathing steadied as he braced himself against the chaotic qi swirling around him.
In the balconies of Lingbao Building, observers leaned forward, captivated by the unfolding spectacle.
"He's not hesitating!" one swordsman whispered, awe lacing his voice.
Ning Yan's gaze remained fixed on Yun Xiao. She felt a peculiar tension in her chest—not quite concern, but something close to it.
"He's pushing the boundaries," she muttered to herself. "But can he endure it?"
From the Shen Xi Pavilion, the veiled girl cradling the black-marked white tiger watched with quiet intensity. Her delicate fingers stroked the tiger's fur absentmindedly.
"Small sunlight," murmured the tiger, its voice soft yet deliberate. "He's not ordinary. This is going to stir the waters."
The girl said nothing, her enigmatic gaze resting on the scene below.
Back in the azure kite sea, the third-level azure kite gave one last shriek before collapsing into ash-like particles, completely consumed by the Sword Soul. Yun Xiao let out a slow exhale, his grip on the sword firm yet composed.
The energy coursing through his blade was palpable, a volatile mix of strength and danger. He could feel the strain on his Sword Soul—it wasn't meant to contain so much at once.
"Not bad," Yun Xiao muttered, his lips curving into a smirk.
Yet, he wasn't done.
Another azure kite screeched in the distance, its cry piercing through the dense fog. Yun Xiao turned his gaze toward it, his intent as sharp as the blade in his hand.
"Next."
The atmosphere in the clear dust pavilion grew tense as the high-ranking observers began murmuring among themselves.
"He's going straight for another one?" Lin Chen's voice carried a mix of disbelief and irritation. "Does he think he's invincible?"
Ning Yan's lips quirked upward in a faint smile. "Invincible? No. But he's certainly bold."
The buddhist family lord beside Lin Chen chuckled softly. "Boldness and recklessness often walk a fine line. Let's see if this Yun Xiao knows the difference."
But Yun Xiao wasn't concerned with their words. He focused entirely on the task ahead. The Sword Soul pulsed in his hand, its lotus shimmering faintly with residual energy from the previous kill.
"Only 99 left," Yun Xiao mused, his tone light, almost playful. "I wonder how long this will take."
And with that, he moved forward, his white robes billowing behind him like a banner of defiance against the azure kite sea.
As Yun Xiao prepared for his next move, the tension in the Lingbao Building grew palpable. The swordsmen around him, who had been casually sipping their tea moments ago, now held their breath. They'd witnessed countless sword cultivators face the azure kite, but none had ever done so with such audacity and intent. Most of them struggled against the first-level azure kite, yet here stood Yun Xiao, poised to take on a third-level kite as if it were nothing.
The Sword Cloud cultivators exchanged uneasy glances. They had heard whispers of Yun Xiao's potential, but seeing it in action was another matter. His power was undeniable, but it came with a dangerous edge, one that might very well cut him down just as easily as it destroyed his enemies.
Lin Chen, the rising star of Sword Cloud, clenched his fists, his gaze darkening as he watched Yun Xiao prepare to take on another kite. There was no denying the boy's potential, but Lin Chen couldn't help but feel a twinge of rivalry. Yun Xiao's rise seemed too rapid, too unrestrained.
"He's gambling with fate," Lin Chen muttered under his breath, though he couldn't tear his eyes away from the spectacle. He had always been one to temper his actions, calculating each step carefully, but Yun Xiao's fearlessness was almost intoxicating. "Let's see if that gamble pays off."
Beside him, Ning Que smirked, his gaze never wavering from Yun Xiao. "You can only be reckless for so long. The azure kite sea doesn't forgive the careless."
Yet, there was an odd gleam in Ning Que's eyes, one that hinted at a strange respect for Yun Xiao's boldness. If nothing else, he admired the boy's tenacity.
Meanwhile, in the Shen Xi Pavilion, the mysterious girl with the white tiger mask remained as calm as ever. Her eyes, shrouded in mist, tracked Yun Xiao's movements from afar, her expression unreadable. There was a depth to her gaze, as though she saw more than what was visible to others. Her fingers still stroked the fur of the black-marked white tiger, its purring a gentle hum in the background.
"Small sunlight, how long do you think he can keep this up?" the tiger asked, its tone both playful and cautious. Despite its confident exterior, it knew the dangers of the azure kite sea, and even it could sense the mounting pressure on Yun Xiao.
The girl's lips parted, but she did not speak immediately. Instead, she simply stared ahead, her misty gaze piercing through the layers of fog that obscured the sea below. "He's not like the others," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's not bound by the same rules. But every action has its cost. He'll either break or ascend."
The tiger huffed softly. "Break or ascend, huh? That's a tall order for a kid."
But the girl did not respond. She seemed lost in thought, her mind tracing an invisible thread between Yun Xiao's actions and a larger, unseen plan. "He won't break. Not yet," she finally said, as though speaking to herself. "But how far will he go before the cost catches up with him?"
Back on the azure kite sea, Yun Xiao felt the intensity of the onlookers' gazes, but he ignored them. His mind was laser-focused on the task at hand. The Sword Soul thrummed with energy, and though the previous absorption had left a faint strain on him, he was determined to push forward. His connection to the kite was growing stronger with each moment, but so was the pressure. He could feel it pressing against his chest, like a weight he could no longer ignore.
Inside, he was already preparing for the next step. The azure kite before him, although a formidable opponent, was merely another stepping stone. His heart beat steadily in his chest as he steadied the sword. His hand gripped the hilt with a quiet intensity, as though he was drawing strength directly from the blade itself.
"I won't stop here," Yun Xiao thought, a fierce resolve flooding his veins. "Not until I've claimed my place."
His thoughts were interrupted as the third-level azure kite flapped its wings violently, letting out a shrill cry that echoed across the sea. The sword cultivators from the Taboo Tower and Sword Cloud watched in silent awe, each wondering if Yun Xiao would succeed in overcoming this trial or fall short like so many before him.
"He's truly… something else," Lin Chen thought, his fists loosening slightly as he watched. Despite his rivalry, there was no denying that Yun Xiao was pushing boundaries.
Meanwhile, in the Lingbao Building, Ning Yan exhaled slowly. She had been watching the boy closely, her gaze filled with a mix of concern and curiosity. Though she knew Yun Xiao's abilities were great, something about his recklessness unsettled her.
"What's he thinking?" she muttered. "He's pushing himself too far, too quickly."
But even as the doubt lingered in her mind, a small part of her hoped—no, wished—that he would succeed. She had no reason to favor him over the others, but something in Yun Xiao's determination spoke to her.
"Maybe it's time for the new generation to rise," she thought, her eyes narrowing with quiet resolve.
With one final breath, Yun Xiao thrust his sword forward, his mind steeled and his will unyielding. The battle between him and the azure kite would reach its climax.
The world around Yun Xiao seemed to hold its breath as the atmosphere grew thick with tension. The azure kite, once soaring with an almost regal presence, now trembled in its final moments. The pitiful cries it released were those of a creature fully aware of its inevitable fate—its wings flapped desperately, but the effort was in vain. It was like a final scream, a plea for mercy, that echoed across the vast expanse of the azure kite sea.
But Yun Xiao's resolve was unwavering. In a flash, the Heaven-Burying Sword Soul, with the precision of a master predator, lunged forward, its razor-sharp edge cutting through the air with a chilling hiss. The third-level azure kite, desperate and helpless, was no match. Before it could even fully comprehend the depth of its doom, its body was engulfed by the Sword Soul, swallowed whole by the monstrous force that had no room for pity.
A brief silence followed, as if the world itself paused, watching the spectacle. Then, the lotus flower at the heart of the Sword Soul, previously serene and still, stirred slightly. A flicker of dissatisfaction passed through its petals, almost as though it was voicing its displeasure. It had not been fed enough. The creature it had devoured, while powerful in its own right, had not been sufficient to fully sate the hunger of the Sword Soul. It was just a morsel in a grand feast that still awaited its turn.
Yun Xiao looked at the remaining third-level azure kites, still hovering in the air, their number rapidly dwindling. There should be fewer than a hundred left now. His lips curled into a wry smile, his eyes glinting with a knowing resolve. His gaze swept over the azure kite sea, taking in the remaining prey with a calm and detached assessment.
"Therefore... doesn't use politely?" he mused, his voice cold but laced with an amused undertone.
Lanxing Jie Jie's voice came from beside him, sharp and biting as she added, "Polite wool? They all want to kill you. It's only right to clean up the resources for their posterity!"
Her laughter echoed, filled with a dark, triumphant glee. There was no hesitation, no second thoughts—just pure, unrelenting ambition and power. It was the laughter of someone who had long since accepted that this world was one of survival, and that only the strong had a right to claim their rewards.
Yun Xiao's lips curved into a confident, almost predatory smile. "Then... it's time to eat."
With those words, he launched forward once more, his sword drawn and the Heaven-Burying Sword Soul already on the prowl, ready to consume what was left. In that moment, the entire azure kite sea seemed to fall into a deep, deathly stillness. The noise of the world faded into nothingness. Even the ten thousand sword cultivators that had gathered on the streets of azure kite watched in stunned silence, their gazes fixed upon Yun Xiao as if they had become spectators to a tragedy unfolding before their eyes.
There was no sound of cheering, no whisper of wagers exchanged—only the quiet murmur of disbelief. They had come to watch a battle, to see young sword cultivators test their limits and claim their place among the elite. But what they were witnessing now was something far more profound. Yun Xiao had surpassed them all, not merely in strength, but in sheer presence. He wasn't just a participant; he had become the storm that swept through everything in its path.
The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the very sea itself waited for what would happen next. The last few third-level azure kites, their wings now a blur of desperate motion, remained unaware of their doomed fate. But Yun Xiao, the Sword Soul in his grasp, was already beyond them. He was a force of nature, unstoppable and inevitable, and the world was watching as he consumed it all.
The cultivators around him felt a strange chill run through them. This was no longer a mere contest—it was the rise of a new power. A power that would reshape the azure kite sea, that would alter the balance of the entire realm. And for some, that realization came with the bitter taste of fear. For others, it was the thrill of witnessing greatness in its rawest form.
In that stillness, the fate of the azure kite sea was sealed. Yun Xiao had claimed his place. The question now wasn't whether he could rise—but how far he would go once he had ascended.