The Azure Enigma Sword, around three feet in length, was a deep, pristine green, emanating a faint azure glow, like a slumbering azure dragon standing tall at the center of the altar. The carvings of ancient spirit beasts and immortals on the surrounding pillars seemed to come alive, shimmering with a golden light that cast an aura of mystery and solemnity upon the sword.
Cloud Beguile's gaze was irresistibly drawn to the Azure Enigma Sword, his eyes filled with longing, reverence, and a nameless affinity, as if the divine blade was meant to be his.
He knew this sword would be the hope for his vengeance, the strength to uphold his convictions.
Steadying his emotions, he slowly reached out his right hand towards the sword's hilt. But as his fingertips neared the hilt, an invisible force seemed to repel him, as if the sword itself were resisting his approach.
"Hum—"
The moment his fingers touched the hilt, a surge of powerful energy erupted from the sword, like a volcanic eruption, knocking him back. Cloud Beguile stumbled, falling to the cold stone floor, a sharp pain in his wrist as a trail of blood appeared.
"What is this?" Cloud Beguile was filled with uncertainty. The sword seemed to be rejecting him, as if he were not worthy to wield it. A deep sense of powerlessness gripped his heart. Had Heaven truly taken away his last hope after all he had suffered?
Just then, his gaze fell upon an ancient wooden box placed at the edge of the altar.
Carved with arcane symbols that stirred a strange familiarity within him, the weathered box emanated an aura of timeless wisdom, as if it had borne witness to the rise and fall of the Cloud Clan, and the ascent and downfall of countless sword prodigies.
Cloud Beguile felt a strong premonition. This box might hold the key to unlocking the mystery.
Ignoring the pain, he slowly approached the altar and gently opened the box.
"Hum—"
The moment the box opened, a vast, overwhelming sword intent erupted forth, flooding the entire space! Cloud Beguile's vision blurred, and the next moment, he found himself in an endless, boundless expanse of white, like the primordial chaos before the separation of heaven and earth, filled with mystery and the unknown.
Suspended before him was an ancient tome, its yellowed pages and worn cover exuding an awe-inspiring presence, as if it contained the wisdom of ancient deities. The cover was inscribed with three grand characters: "Azure Lotus Sword Tome."
"The Azure Lotus Sword Tome!"
Cloud Beguile recognized this as the pinnacle sword art passed down through the generations of the Cloud Clan, one of the most supreme sword techniques in the immortal cultivation world, accessible only to the clan's patriarchs.
Legend had it that the Azure Lotus Sword Tome was divided into nine realms, each containing unfathomable profundities. To master it completely would grant one the power to command the laws of heaven and earth, with the ability to destroy worlds.
Cloud Beguile's heart raced with joy. He never imagined he would find the Azure Lotus Sword Tome in this forbidden land. That this priceless family treasure would be presented to him now - was this the will of fate?
Suppressing his excitement, he reached out and grasped the tome.
"Hum—"
The moment he touched it, a torrent of information flooded his mind, as if the entire legacy of the Cloud Clan was being imparted to him. The sheer volume and depth of knowledge was overwhelming, threatening to shatter his consciousness.
"Ah!"
Cloud Beguile couldn't help but cry out in pain, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, knowing this was his only chance. If he faltered now, he would forever lose the hope of vengeance.
After what felt like an eternity, the deluge of information receded, and Cloud Beguile slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was weary, but brimming with excitement and exhilaration - he had successfully obtained the legacy of the Azure Lotus Sword Tome.
"The Azure Lotus Sword Tome, truly profound and unfathomable!" Cloud Beguile marveled. Though he had only accessed the first realm of the techniques, it had already greatly enhanced his sword dao comprehension and cultivation.
"Azure Lotus Sword Tome, first technique: Azure Lotus Blossoms!"
Rising to his feet, Cloud Beguile gripped the Azure Enigma Sword and executed a fluid strike.
"Hum—"
The sword rang out, its light intensifying as it manifested a massive azure lotus flower, its petals shimmering with a translucent, jade-like glow, radiating a keen, formidable sword intent.
"So this is the power of the Azure Lotus Sword Tome?"
Cloud Beguile gazed upon the azure lotus in awe and excitement. He knew this was merely the first technique, yet its power was already so tremendous. What wonders would await him if he could truly master the Azure Lotus Sword Tome?
"Purple Yang Immortal, wait for me. I will personally take your life and avenge the Cloud Clan!"
A glint of ruthless determination flashed in Cloud Beguile's eyes. Sheathing the Azure Enigma Sword, he turned and approached the altar once more.
He understood that the Azure Enigma Sword and the Azure Lotus Sword Tome were only the beginning of his path of vengeance. He had a long way to go, needing to grow ever stronger to defeat the Purple Yang Immortal and avenge his clan.