As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening glow cast a golden radiance over the Cloudtop Immortal Abode, lending an air of solemnity and reverence to the scene.
In the plaza before the main hall of the Cloudtop Immortal Abode, hundreds of guests from the major sects and clans of the Immortal Cultivation world had gathered, seated attentively, their eyes fixated on the raised platform in the center.
On the platform stood Cloud Beguile, dressed in a white brocade robe, a green sword hanging at his waist, his long black hair tied up with a white jade hairpin. His handsome features, sharp brows, and confident smile exuded an aura of elegance and nobility.
Today was his Coming-of-Age Ceremony, the day he would showcase his prowess to the entire Immortal Cultivation world.
"Beguile, are you ready?" Cloud Soaring Sky, standing below the platform, looked up at his son with affection and anticipation.
"Father, rest assured, I am prepared." Cloud Beguile nodded, took a deep breath, and slowly drew the green sword from his waist.
"Whoosh!"
A crisp sound of metal rang out as the green sword emerged, its blade shining brightly, illuminating the entire plaza.
This green sword was the Cloud Clan's ancestral treasure - the Azure Enigma Sword!
The Azure Enigma Sword, an ancient divine artifact, was forged from a meteorite, its blade inscribed with mystical runes, containing immense power.
"Magnificent sword!"
"The Azure Enigma Sword, truly a remarkable weapon!"
"The Young Master is a heaven-blessed genius, and with such a divine artifact, he is destined for greatness!"
...
Seeing the Azure Enigma Sword in Cloud Beguile's hand, the guests in attendance could not help but exclaim in awe and admiration.
Cloud Beguile paid no heed to the murmurs around him. His gaze was fixed intently on the sword in his hand, feeling the surging power coursing through it, filled with unwavering confidence.
"Azure Lotus Sword Art, First Stance: Azure Lotus Blooms!"
Cloud Beguile's voice rang out, and his inner spiritual energy rushed into the Azure Enigma Sword, causing it to glow with an azure radiance, transforming into a massive azure lotus flower that slowly unfurled its petals.
"Whoosh!"
The azure lotus flower suddenly began to spin, and its petals morphed into countless razor-sharp sword qi, sweeping outward in all directions.
"The sword qi is so powerful!"
"The Young Master's mastery of the sword art is truly remarkable, perhaps even surpassing some of the senior sword experts!"
"Indeed, given time, the Young Master will undoubtedly make a name for himself in the Immortal Cultivation world!"
...
Sensing the terrifying might contained within Cloud Beguile's sword qi, the guests were left in awe, their exclamations of admiration echoing through the plaza.
"Azure Lotus Sword Art, Second Stance: Azure Lotus Sword Dance!"
Cloud Beguile's voice rang out again, and the Azure Enigma Sword in his hand began to move with the swiftness of the wind, leaving afterimages that dazzled the eye.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"
Countless sword qi crisscrossed in the air, forming an impenetrable sword net that enveloped the entire platform.
"What a formidable sword art!"
"The Azure Lotus Sword Art is truly renowned, each technique imbued with immense power!"
"The Young Master's ability to cultivate the Azure Lotus Sword Art to such a level at his young age is truly admirable!"
...
Witnessing this display, the guests were once again filled with awe and deep respect for Cloud Beguile.
Cloud Soaring Sky, watching his son's sword techniques, had a smile of contentment and pride on his face. He knew his son had not disappointed his expectations - he had grown into a true powerhouse.
"Azure Lotus Sword Art, Third Stance: Azure Lotus Sword Song!"
Cloud Beguile's voice rang out once more, and with a sweeping motion of his sword, a massive azure sword qi shot up towards the heavens.
"Rumble!"
The azure sword qi tore through the air, unleashing a thunderous roar, as if threatening to split the very sky in half.
"Incredible!"
"This... This is the final stance of the Azure Lotus Sword Art, the Azure Lotus Sword Song?"
"Rumor has it that the Azure Lotus Sword Song can cleave the heavens and shatter the earth - the Young Master has already mastered this technique?"
...
Seeing this, the audience was left completely dumbfounded. They never imagined that Cloud Beguile would have already cultivated the Azure Lotus Sword Art to such a pinnacle.
"Beguile, that's enough!"
At that moment, Cloud Soaring Sky suddenly called out, halting his son.
Hearing his father's command, Cloud Beguile was startled, quickly sheathing his sword.
"Rumble!"
The azure sword qi dissipated into the sky, vanishing without a trace.
"Pant, pant, pant!"
Cloud Beguile's chest heaved heavily, that last strike had nearly exhausted all of his spiritual energy.
"Beguile, are you alright?" Cloud Soaring Sky approached his son, asking with concern.
"I'm fine, Father." Cloud Beguile shook his head, saying, "That last strike just consumed a bit too much of my spiritual energy."
"I see. You've done well." Cloud Soaring Sky patted Cloud Beguile's shoulder, saying, "You have now proven your strength to everyone. From this day forward, no one in the Immortal Cultivation world will dare to underestimate you!"
"I understand, Father." Cloud Beguile nodded, his heart swelling with pride.
But at that moment, a sudden change occurred!
"Rumble!"
The previously clear sky abruptly darkened, thick clouds gathered, lightning flashed, and howling winds whipped up a sandstorm, as if the end of the world was upon them.
"What's happening?"
"What's going on?"
"Could this be the Heavenly Tribulation?"
...
The unexpected turn of events left everyone present in a state of panic and confusion.