Ye Chen returned to his residence, his mind restless. The words of the mysterious man echoed in his ears, making him realize that from the moment he stepped into the Xuantian Sect, he had been drawn into a much larger vortex. He knew that with his rising strength, those paying attention to him were no longer limited to sect disciples and elders. Hidden, powerful forces were now watching his every move.
However, Ye Chen felt no fear. Instead, his fighting spirit burned even brighter. If enemies sought to suppress his growth, then he had only one option: to grow even stronger until no one dared to challenge or belittle him.
Seated in his training chamber, Ye Chen was surrounded by dense spiritual energy, with sword intent swirling like an invisible wind. He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the sword path inheritance he had obtained during the trial. He recalled every battle and every perilous moment in the secret realm—those dangerous yet enlightening experiences gradually coalesced into a deeper understanding of the sword path.
Suddenly, Ye Chen's consciousness was pulled by a strange force. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in an illusory realm. The surroundings were dim, with only a silver light glowing faintly in the distance. Instinctively, Ye Chen grasped his sword and moved cautiously toward the light.
As he drew closer, the light transformed into a translucent longsword, emanating an aura so sharp it seemed capable of slicing through the heavens.
A deep voice echoed from the void: "To truly master the sword path, one must endure trials beyond life and death. Are you ready?"
Without hesitation, Ye Chen replied, "A swordsman's journey is one of forging through thorns. I am prepared to face any challenge."
The voice seemed satisfied with his answer. The translucent longsword turned into a streak of light and pierced into Ye Chen's forehead. Instantly, a torrent of information flooded his mind—ancient sword techniques and profound mysteries of the sword path.
Simultaneously, Ye Chen's body experienced excruciating pain, as if every bone and meridian were being reshaped by sword intent. He gritted his teeth, enduring the searing agony. Just when he thought he could bear no more, the space ring left by his parents emitted a warm light, soothing the unbearable pain.
Time passed, and when Ye Chen reopened his eyes, he realized his body had undergone a transformation. Spiritual energy flowed more smoothly within him, his sword intent was sharper, and his comprehension of the sword path had deepened significantly. He could sense a whole new realm of possibilities in his understanding of the sword.
As Ye Chen immersed himself in this breakthrough, unrest began brewing outside.
At the Xuantian Sect's outer gate, several disciples rushed over, their faces pale with urgency. "Elder, a group of unknown visitors has appeared outside the gate. They claim to be from the Crimson Flame Sect and demand to meet the sect master!"
The gatekeeping elder's expression darkened. As one of the most senior elders of the Xuantian Sect, he was well aware of what the Crimson Flame Sect represented. Though not a top-tier faction, the Crimson Flame Sect was notorious for its overbearing demeanor and often clashed with the Xuantian Sect. For them to show up now was clearly no coincidence.
"Tell them to wait. I will inform the sect master immediately," the elder commanded, quietly dispatching other disciples to bolster security.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen was summoned by a messenger disciple and informed that the sect master wished to see him. When he entered the main hall, he noticed the sect master's grave expression, mirrored by the elders seated around him.
"Ye Chen, have you had any dealings with the Crimson Flame Sect recently?" the sect master asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Ye Chen.
Ye Chen was momentarily taken aback but quickly shook his head. "I have never interacted with the Crimson Flame Sect in any way."
The sect master nodded, as though expecting this answer. However, he continued, "The Crimson Flame Sect has come to our gates today, specifically demanding to see you. They claim that during the secret realm trial, you took something that belongs to them."
Ye Chen's mind flashed to the peculiar gemstone he had acquired in the secret realm, brimming with unique sword intent. Could it be related to the Crimson Flame Sect?
"Sect Master, that gemstone was indeed obtained by me," Ye Chen replied calmly. "But in a trial, all treasures are fair game, and those who secure them have the right to keep them."
The sect master's eyes glimmered with approval. "Well said. The treasures of a secret realm belong to those capable of seizing them. If you acquired it, it is yours by right. However, the Crimson Flame Sect will not let this matter rest easily. We will need your cooperation in handling this conflict."
Ye Chen understood the implications and nodded firmly. "I am willing to support the sect in any way I can."
With the discussion concluded, an elder escorted Ye Chen to the gates to confront the visitors from the Crimson Flame Sect. As they approached, Ye Chen felt no fear—only anticipation. As he had reminded himself countless times, the path of a swordsman was never smooth. Only through hardship could one temper an unyielding sword heart.
At the gates, the visitors from the Crimson Flame Sect exuded an oppressive aura. Their leader was a tall, burly man radiating intense heat, like a walking volcano. When his gaze landed on Ye Chen, he let out a derisive laugh. "So, you're Ye Chen? Hand over what you took, and I may let you leave here alive."
Ye Chen's expression remained calm, his voice steady yet sharp as a blade. "The treasures of a trial belong to those who earn them. If the Crimson Flame Sect desires its return, then you'll have to take it by force."
The burly man's face darkened, and he roared, "You arrogant brat! If that's how you want it, I'll gladly oblige!"
Fiery spiritual energy erupted from his body, causing the temperature around the gate to soar. The oppressive heat distorted the air, and the tension was palpable. Ye Chen, however, remained unfazed. He raised his sword, its flowing sword energy as calm and unyielding as a river, yet carrying a dangerous undercurrent.
This battle would not only be a clash of individuals but also a spark igniting a greater conflict between the two sects. For Ye Chen, it marked the beginning of a true trial, one where his sword would face the storms of the world!