As Ye Chen grasped the Sword Graveyard's inherited blade, an overwhelming surge of sword intent flooded his entire being. The power was vast and boundless, like an infinite ocean pouring into his dantian and coursing through his meridians.
At that moment, the world seemed to fall silent. The connection between Ye Chen and the sword grew stronger, as though this was not just a weapon but a living entity imbued with the wills of countless ancient swordsmen.
"So, this is the true power of the Sword Graveyard?" Ye Chen thought to himself, his heart trembling with awe. His hand glided across the rusted blade, feeling the ancient and majestic aura emanating from it. It seemed to whisper tales of countless battles, both glorious and tragic.
"You've formed a bond with the sword, but this is only the beginning of the inheritance," a deep voice echoed through the void. Ye Chen looked up to see the black-robed elder reappear. This time, his features were clearer, his expression more solemn.
"Next, you must merge with the will of the Sword Graveyard. This isn't just a test of recognition but a trial of your essence. If you cannot withstand its power, you will either lose your mind or perish entirely."
Ye Chen took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "Since I've chosen this path, I will not regret it."
The black-robed elder nodded approvingly and waved his hand. The space around Ye Chen shifted once more. He found himself standing on a vast battlefield. There was no sky or ground—only endless, raging sword light tearing through the void.
In the center of the battlefield, a colossal figure emerged. It was a giant clad in ancient armor, wielding an enormous sword that radiated the same aura as the inherited blade in Ye Chen's hand.
"This is the manifestation of the Sword Graveyard's will and your final opponent," the elder's voice reverberated across the battlefield. "Defeat it, and the sword's power will truly be yours."
Ye Chen stared at the giant, tightening his grip on the sword.
The giant said nothing, but its sword intent surged forth like a storm, shaking the battlefield with every step it took.
"Come on!" Ye Chen roared, charging forward with his sword glowing brilliantly. The inherited blade clashed fiercely with the giant's massive sword.
From the very first exchange, Ye Chen realized the sheer strength of his opponent. Every strike from the giant carried the weight of heaven and earth, surpassing any foe he had ever faced in both power and speed.
Gritting his teeth, Ye Chen unleashed every sword technique he had mastered—Starfall Sword Art, Voidbreaker Sword Intent, Ten Thousand Blades Return. Each move was sharp and precise, but no matter how exquisite his techniques, they could not completely block the giant's overwhelming attacks.
"Is this… the true limit of the Sword Graveyard's power?" Ye Chen muttered as he parried another blow. He understood that pure skill alone would not be enough to triumph over this opponent. The giant was not just a symbol of strength but the embodiment of the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
"To defeat it, I must surpass my own swordsmanship!"
Ye Chen calmed his mind, and his attacks began to change. Each strike became less about raw force and more about integrating his understanding and intent. He attuned himself to the surrounding sword energy, weaving it into his movements to counter the giant.
The battle grew increasingly intense as Ye Chen's swordsmanship evolved. His strikes became more refined, more fluid. He no longer followed rigid forms but let his sword flow with his intent. At the same time, the giant's attacks grew fiercer, as if it sensed Ye Chen's progress and sought to suppress him entirely.
"A sword is more than just a weapon; it is an extension of the soul!" Ye Chen roared, his sword intent bursting forth as he met the giant head-on.
In that moment, Ye Chen felt as if he and the sword had become one. The world faded away, leaving only him and the blade.
The giant paused briefly, then let out an earth-shattering roar. It raised its massive sword and swung it down with a force that could cleave the battlefield in two.
Ye Chen did not retreat. He stood his ground, lifting his sword. The blade glowed as its light condensed into a single point, aimed directly at the giant's chest.
"Break!"
Ye Chen thrust his sword forward, and the beam of light shot forth like a meteor, colliding with the giant's sword mid-air.
A deafening explosion followed, and the giant froze in place. Cracks spread across its body before it shattered into countless fragments, dispersing into the void.
Ye Chen stood still, his sword gleaming with brilliance. His expression was calm, yet his eyes burned with newfound determination.
The void settled, and the black-robed elder appeared once more, his face filled with satisfaction. "Well done. You have completed the Sword Graveyard's inheritance. From now on, this blade is yours, and with it comes the responsibility of upholding the sword's legacy."
Ye Chen nodded and sheathed the inherited sword. He could feel the transformation within his body, his power having reached an entirely new level.
"Senior, what lies beyond the Sword Graveyard?" Ye Chen asked, his gaze firm.
The elder's eyes deepened. "Beyond the Sword Graveyard is the boundless world of cultivation. Your journey has only just begun. In the future, you will face opponents far stronger than anything within the Graveyard and discover even higher realms of the sword path. But remember the insights you gained today: the true meaning of the sword lies in protection and freedom."
Ye Chen's eyes shone with determination as he turned and began his descent from Sword Mountain. His steps were steady and resolute, each one echoing with newfound confidence and purpose.
From this moment forward, he was no longer the nameless boy mocked by his sect but a swordsman wielding the inheritance of the Sword Graveyard. His future would be anything but ordinary.
The path of the sword truly began here.