Cloud Beguile gripped the Azure Lotus Sword Tome, his blood boiling with excitement. This ancient sword manual had opened a door to a whole new world before him, revealing the hope for vengeance and limitless possibilities.
He knew the Azure Lotus Sword Tome was profoundly deep, something that could not be mastered overnight. He felt like a starving traveler facing a bountiful feast, unsure of where to begin.
As he pondered, the Azure Enigma Sword in the center of the altar suddenly began to tremble violently, emitting a series of crisp sword cries, as if responding to the desires in Cloud Beguile's heart.
"Hum—"
A azure glow erupted from the sword's hilt, shooting up towards the heavens and illuminating the entire chasm.
Cloud Beguile looked up to see the azure light coalescing into a hazy figure - a tall, middle-aged man in azure robes, his handsome features exuding an aura of formidable sword intent, like a drawn blade ready to strike.
"This... is this..."
Cloud Beguile's eyes widened in awe and trepidation. He knew only a remarkable cultivator could leave their spiritual presence within the Azure Enigma Sword. Could this be the legendary Azure Lotus Immortal?
"Young man, I never imagined there would still be those who remembered this old master." The azure figure turned to face Cloud Beguile, a faint smile on his lips.
"Junior Cloud Beguile pays his respects to the Azure Lotus Immortal Elder!" Cloud Beguile quickly bowed, his heart filled with reverence and excitement.
The Azure Lotus Immortal, a legendary figure in the immortal cultivation world - a sword prodigy who had defied the limits of mortals, shattering the void to ascend to the immortal realms and achieve the Dao.
"No need for such formalities, child." The Azure Lotus Immortal waved his hand. "Though I have dwelled in the immortal realms for many years, my heart has remained with this land. I have left a fragment of my spirit within the Azure Enigma Sword, hoping to find a worthy successor to pass on my legacy."
His gaze fell upon Cloud Beguile, a look of contentment in his eyes. "And it seems I have finally found you, after waiting for millennia. You are quite remarkable, possessing not only exceptional talent, but also steadfast resolve and determination - the ideal disciple I have sought."
"Elder, you flatter me undeservedly." Cloud Beguile quickly replied, his heart in turmoil. He never imagined he would become the Azure Lotus Immortal's successor.
"Do not sell yourself short, child. My discernment has never been wrong." The Azure Lotus Immortal smiled. "I'm afraid my time grows short, so now I shall impart to you the entirety of my life's cultivation and insights, in the hope that you will cultivate diligently and not disappoint me."
The Azure Lotus Immortal raised his hand, and a azure glow enveloped Cloud Beguile.
"Hum—"
A thunderous roar filled Cloud Beguile's mind as a torrent of information flooded his consciousness - the Azure Lotus Immortal's lifetime of sword dao realization, the essence of the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques, the journey of his cultivation.
"Ah!"
Cloud Beguile couldn't help but cry out in pain, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
...
After what felt like an eternity, the deluge of information finally receded, and Cloud Beguile slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze was weary, but brimming with exhilaration - he had successfully received the Azure Lotus Immortal's inheritance!
"Elder Azure Lotus Immortal, I am forever grateful for your gracious transmission." Cloud Beguile reverently bowed to the Immortal's spiritual presence.
"Child, there is no need for such thanks. This is what you rightfully deserve." The Azure Lotus Immortal smiled. "My time grows short, so let me bestow upon you one final gift."
The Immortal raised his hand, and a azure glow shot from his fingertips, piercing into Cloud Beguile's brow.
"Hum!"
A thunderous surge of power coursed through Cloud Beguile's body, as his cultivation instantly broke through to the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm under the Immortal's aid.
"This... how is this possible?!" Cloud Beguile's eyes widened in disbelief. To go from the initial stages of Foundation Establishment to its pinnacle in a single bound was simply unheard of.
"Haha, child, do not be so surprised. This is merely a small token from me." The Azure Lotus Immortal chuckled. "With your talents, I believe you will soon reach the Gold Core realm."
"I am forever grateful, Elder." Cloud Beguile's heart swelled with emotion. He knew the Immortal was helping him rapidly strengthen his abilities to expedite his quest for vengeance.
"Child, my time grows short." The Immortal's spiritual presence began to fade, his voice growing weaker. "Remember, you are my disciple, and you bear the responsibility of protecting this world. Do not let hatred cloud your vision, nor commit any acts that would go against the Dao."
"I believe you will become a towering hero, a guardian of justice!"
With those final words, the Azure Lotus Immortal's figure dissipated into the void, until he vanished completely.
"Azure Lotus Immortal Elder..."
Cloud Beguile looked to where the Immortal had been, his eyes filled with gratitude and admiration.
The Immortal had not only passed on his peerless sword techniques, but more importantly, had taught him how to become a true hero, an upright man of valor.
"Elder, I will heed your teachings and not disappoint you!" Cloud Beguile deeply bowed towards the Immortal's departed presence, his expression resolute.
He knew the road ahead was long, and he had to grow even stronger to live up to the Azure Lotus Immortal's expectations, to protect this world, and to avenge the Cloud Clan.