The forbidden land of the Cloudtop Immortal Abode was shrouded in silence, as if isolated from the world. The waterfall cascading down from the mountaintop thundered deafeningly, the water crashing against the rocks and spraying mist that caught the sunlight to form a beautiful rainbow arching across the chasm, connecting the past and the future, Cloud Beguile's shattered heart and his rekindled hope.
In the center of the altar, Cloud Beguile sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, surrounded by a faint azure glow, like an ancient, unchanging statue blending into the archaic, somber landscape. His breathing was steady and drawn-out, as if he had entered a wondrous state, merging with the natural world.
His mind continuously replayed the insights into the sword dao and the essence of the Azure Lotus Sword Techniques imparted by the Azure Lotus Immortal. Each move, each form, was seared into the depths of his soul, crystal clear and natural, as if innate to him.
At this moment, Cloud Beguile was like a thirsty sponge, greedily absorbing the Immortal's legacy, integrating this supreme sword wisdom into his very bloodline, making it a part of himself.
Time seemed to stand still, only the thundering of the waterfall reminding him of its passage.
Suddenly, a powerful aura erupted from Cloud Beguile, like an awakening dragon soaring towards the heavens! This presence was so mighty, so formidable, as if it could rend the very heavens and earth.
"Boom!"
Gales whipped through the forbidden land, stones and sands swirling, trees shaking, as if an earthquake had struck. The ancient restrictive formations guarding the area crumbled like paper before this overwhelming power, dissolving into sparks that vanished into the void.
Cloud Beguile slowly opened his eyes, two piercing beams of light shooting forth, like razor-sharp blades piercing the void, dazzling to behold.
"So this is the power of the Azure Lotus Sword Tome?" Cloud Beguile felt the surging might within him, awestruck and exhilarated. He could clearly sense his body brimming with boundless strength, every muscle, every bone filled with explosive power, ready to unleash earth-shattering force at any moment.
He knew he had undergone a rebirth, no longer the weak young master of the Cloud Clan, but a sword prodigy of formidable might. The Azure Lotus Sword Techniques he commanded were peerless, enough to carve out his own dominion in the immortal cultivation world.
"Purple Yang Immortal, wait for me. I will personally take your life and avenge the Cloud Clan!" A glint of ruthless intent flashed in Cloud Beguile's eyes, his voice low and resolute, like a chilling death knell from the depths of the underworld.
He rose to his feet, drawing the Azure Enigma Sword and sweeping it through the air.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, First Form: Azure Lotus Blossoms!"
"Hum!"
The Azure Enigma Sword rang out, as if answering its master's call. Its light intensified, manifesting a massive azure lotus flower that slowly unfurled in the void.
The lotus petals were translucent and crystalline, but their edges crackled with fierce sword intent, as if carved from the sharpest blades, beautiful yet deadly, inspiring reverence.
"Boom!"
The azure lotus exploded, unleashing a torrent of keen sword qi in all directions. Wherever the sword energy passed, the very space seemed to be rent asunder, echoing with the shrill sound of sonic booms.
"Rumble!"
The forbidden land shook violently, the towering ancient trees instantly reduced to fragments under the relentless sword qi, a veritable storm of wooden shards obscuring the sky.
Cloud Beguile sheathed his sword, surveying the devastated forbidden land with a satisfied smile. He knew he had grasped the essence of the Azure Lotus Sword Tome, his sword dao cultivation having reached new heights, enough to establish an unassailable position in the immortal cultivation world.
"It is time to depart." Cloud Beguile took a deep breath, securing the Azure Enigma Sword at his waist and turning towards the exit, his back straight and resolute, like a war god marching forth with an invincible conviction.
He knew there was much left to do - uncover the truth behind the Cloud Clan's downfall, find Moonshade, and avenge his family.
...
After leaving the forbidden land, Cloud Beguile did not immediately seek his vengeance, for he knew his current strength was still insufficient to confront the Purple Yang Immortal. The Immortal was the revered elder of the Purple Yang Sect, his cultivation having reached the late Gold Core realm, his power unfathomable. While Cloud Beguile had obtained the Azure Lotus Immortal's inheritance, his own cultivation had only just reached the peak of Foundation Establishment - the gap between them was still immense.
He needed time, to continuously refine his sword techniques and cultivate, so that one day he could slay his sworn enemy and avenge the Cloud Clan.
Thus, Cloud Beguile decided to first search for Moonshade's whereabouts.
Closing his eyes, he carefully recalled every moment he had spent with her. He remembered she had once mentioned coming from a small village called Peachblossom Village, deep within the Azure Cloud Mountains - a secluded, scenic haven.
"Moonshade, wait for me. I will find you!" Cloud Beguile murmured to himself, then set off towards the Azure Cloud Mountains.
...
Peachblossom Village, nestled deep within the Azure Cloud Mountains, was a scenic, isolated hamlet. Dozens of families lived there, leading peaceful lives of sunrise to sunset, oblivious to the outside world.
The air was fresh, the scenery lush and tranquil, a true idyllic retreat in stark contrast to the bloody, cruel scenes of the Cloudtop Immortal Abode.
On this day, a young man in azure robes, a sword slung on his back, arrived at the village entrance. It was Cloud Beguile.
Instead of immediately entering the village, he sat down under a large tree at the entrance, closing his eyes to rest. He had been traveling for three consecutive days, and while his current cultivation no longer required the ordinary needs of eating and sleeping, he still habitually allowed himself these moments of respite.
"Young sir, are you here looking for someone in our Peachblossom Village?" A weathered voice suddenly spoke up near him.
Cloud Beguile opened his eyes to see an elderly man with whitened hair and deeply creased features, standing before him with a warm smile. The old man's clouded eyes held a glint of wisdom, and Cloud Beguile could sense a faint spiritual presence about him, indicating he was also a cultivator.
"Greetings, elder. I have come to inquire about a certain person." Cloud Beguile rose and politely bowed.
"Oh? And who might you be seeking?" the old man asked.
"I am looking for a young woman named Moonshade. Do you by chance know of her?" Cloud Beguile asked.
At the mention of Moonshade's name, a look of reminiscence crossed the old man's face. He stroked his white beard thoughtfully, then said, "Moonshade? That name does sound familiar. Let me think..."
Seeing the elder seemed to genuinely know of Moonshade, Cloud Beguile's heart filled with hope. "Please, take your time, elder."
The old man nodded, then fell into contemplation.
After a while, he finally spoke up, looking at Cloud Beguile. "Ah yes, I remember now. Moonshade was indeed from our Peachblossom Village, but that was over a decade ago."
"Over a decade?" Cloud Beguile's heart sank. Could it be that Moonshade had long since left the village?
"Yes," the elder nodded. "Back then, after Moonshade's parents unfortunately passed away, leaving her an orphan, she was taken away by a cultivator passing through. He said he would take her as a disciple and teach her the ways of cultivation. And she never returned since."
"A cultivator?" Cloud Beguile perked up at this. Could the one who took Moonshade away be a cultivator?
"Yes, that's right," the elder confirmed. "I believe the cultivator called himself an elder of the Azure Cloud Sect."
"The Azure Cloud Sect?" Cloud Beguile's eyes widened in alarm. The Azure Cloud Sect was one of the five great sects in the immortal cultivation world, powerful and influential. Could Moonshade have been taken by someone from that sect?
If that was the case, then finding her would be an even greater challenge.