84 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

The day the Sword Tomb opened arrived swiftly. Five Dragon Plaza was abuzz with gathered crowds. Suspended above the square was a Shadow-Capturing Box, its projection magnified in the sky through a special array. Projected was an enormous, desolate valley, devoid of life. Older disciples of the Five Dragon Sect knew this valley as the Sword Tomb Valley—a sacred ground where all the swords for the inner sect sword cultivators were procured. The bustling plaza was filled with hushed whispers. "Who's going to fetch a sword from the Sword Tomb today?" "It must be Yan Jue." "Really? I thought the winner of the recent competition was Meng Hang Jun Qi Xian Qing." "Indeed, Meng Hang Jun is known for his generosity towards his junior disciples, even gifting such a remarkable sword." "But while Meng Hang Jun may offer it, Liu Bing may not consent to it. This legendary sword, Liu Bing, is inherently noble and might resist if only an ordinary disciple attempts to claim it." The privilege of obtaining a sword from the Sword Tomb was an immense honor for any disciple of the Five Dragon Sect. Given the sect's focus on sword cultivation, whenever a disciple earned the right to the Sword Tomb, the sect would set up the Shadow-Capturing Box at Five Dragon Plaza for all disciples to witness the event. The purpose was educational, allowing disciples to learn from others’ experiences of claiming a sword, better preparing them for their future attempts. Due to the fame of the legendary sword Liu Bing, many elders attended. Sect Leader Mu Zhong Zi sat contemplatively, gazing at the massive image above. All eyes were centered on the figure of Yan Jue within the scene. ... The world was dim and filled with swirling dust and sand. The notorious Sword Tomb Valley of the Five Dragon Sect was less than welcoming. For Yan Jue, visiting the Sword Tomb for the first time, her view was immediately captivated by a pale blue glow, and on the cliff face before her, a grand golden gate appeared. This was the specially opened passage by the sect into the Sword Tomb. Instinctively, Yan Jue grasped the mark left by Candle Shadow in her palm a few days prior, suddenly alerted by approaching footsteps. Startled, she turned her head to see a fair-skinned woman in a ochre robe, seemingly set to enter the Sword Tomb as well. Yan Jue inquired, "Who are you..." The woman, with wide, beautiful eyes, responded, "Hello, I'm Jiang Meng Chu. I'm here today to claim a sword as well." Yan Jue's memory was jogged—Jiang Meng Chu had secured second place in the recent Five Dragon Summit competition. Jiang Meng Chu asked, "Sister, what's your name?" "...Yan Jue," she replied. "You’re also here to claim a sword, right?" Jiang Meng Chu, in her flowing ochre robe, continued gracefully, "Yesterday, the Sect Leader Uncle informed me that I was granted the legendary sword Liu Bing." Yan Jue was taken aback. This... Suddenly, the communication talisman in her sleeve vibrated. Qi Xian Qing's voice echoed in her ear. "Whoever can draw that sword will possess it." So that's how it was. The demon lord really didn’t want her to have that sword. In a moment, the massive sound of the mountain gate opening resonated, as if the very earth trembled. The gate swung fully open. Yan Jue turned and, politely addressing Jiang Meng Chu, said, “Let’s go in together.” Jiang Meng Chu nodded and followed closely behind. Within Sword Tomb Valley, yellow sand swirled in the air. Though it appeared to be a common valley, the fierce winds were all too present upon entry. Yan Jue had a general impression of the valley's scenes from the original work, which had once detailed a protagonist's journey to claim a sword. The duo walked through the expansive canyon beneath a pristine azure sky. The surrounding cliff walls were embedded with swords of varying designs, each dull and lifeless. Yan Jue knew this was because these swords were yet to awaken. Before entering the Sword Tomb, Yan Jue had acquired an ice crystal. It guided her towards Liu Bing. The crystal in her sleeve glowed faintly, invisibly pointing Yan Jue in the right direction. Jiang Meng Chu followed closely behind. Yan Jue weaved through the valley until she reached a giant rock. The crystal suddenly vibrated wildly, emitting a searing heat. She was startled, raising her gaze. There, lodged into the rock, was an icy blue longsword. She recognized it instantly—this was the protagonist's life-bound sword, described with emphasis in the original tale. The icy blue divine sword stood embedded in the rock. Its slender blade shone with a chilly brilliance as light danced upon its snow-patterned surface. The hilt, crafted from smooth white jade, was semi-translucent, adorned with simple etchings. Yan Jue squinted slightly, unable to see clearly. The longsword silently stood there. It seemed as if this moment had been waiting for thousands of years. At that moment, Jiang Meng Chu’s gaze hardened, and she leaped, arriving beside Liu Bing in an instant. Liu Bing stood silently, sensing her approach, it glowed with a faint blue light. Although Jiang Meng Chu wasn’t raised in the Five Dragon Sect, her cultivation talent was exceptional. Coupled with extraordinary luck, she managed to secure second place in the competition. The divine sword Liu Bing was her promised reward from the sect leader. Reaching for Liu Bing, Jiang Meng Chu extended her alabaster-like hand, gripping it tightly, and pulled with all her strength. Suddenly, Liu Bing erupted with immense spiritual power and light, making Yan Jue squint. Jiang Meng Chu, eyes closed and brows furrowed, appeared to be in intense pain. Everyone at Five Dragon Plaza watching the scene felt their nerves were on edge. Spirit swords had their pride, and now Jiang Meng Chu was in a standoff with Liu Bing. This was a perilous process. There were past instances where disciples lost their minds during such endeavors. Now, gripping the sword handle, Jiang Meng Chu was in a silent duel with the divine sword Liu Bing. “Boom!!!” Suddenly, massive spiritual energy exploded all around. Jiang Meng Chu’s slender figure was flung away like a small bead! Her body arced through the sky, landing in the nearby river, utterly disheveled. Yan Jue glanced up at the sky, aware that the Shadow-Capturing Box was encompassing the entire Sword Tomb Valley, projecting the scene back to the Five Dragon Plaza. Qi Xian Qing was watching her. Yan Jue’s face hardened as she jumped forward. “Meng Hang Jun, perhaps you should just keep the sword yourself,” Yun Rang sneered beside Qi Xian Qing, “Are you mad for offering it to that fool?” It wasn’t surprising Yun Rang felt that way. As the saying goes, if one’s virtue doesn’t match their position, disaster follows. There were past incidents of disciples pleading for their masters to lead them into the Sword Tomb, attempting to draw famed swords. However, due to the swords’ own spirits, unwilling to recognize the disciples as masters, they would struggle and utterly fail after countless battles, ultimately relinquishing hope for an ordinary sword. Such events were frequent, becoming mere anecdotes. Qi Xian Qing, clad in white, sat with his back straight, his face as cold as frost, devoid of any superfluous expression: “A fool?” “For anyone coming in third place in the sect competition to be deemed a fool by Senior Sister Yun makes one wonder what Senior Sister Yun might be,” he countered. Yun Rang, momentarily stumped, turned livid with anger. “I saw your match with her—it was clear she couldn’t even hold her sword properly. How could she draw one?” Yun Rang challenged. This was typical of Yun Rang. Although generally courteous to other female disciples within the sect, Yun Rang always showed a different side when facing Qi Xian Qing. Always seeking to irk him. For a time, rumors spread within the sect, suggesting perhaps Yun Rang harbored a hidden affection for Qi Xian Qing... Qi Xian Qing remained fixated on the sky above: “She can do it.” ... Staring at the towering rock for a while, Yan Jue finally leaped up. Under the sun’s glow, her movement was graceful—a result of her enhanced agility training. In a mere moment, she stood atop the rock. As she approached Liu Bing, an iciness enveloped her. Incredibly, the rocks surrounding Liu Bing had formed thick frost even under the blazing sun. Ice-attributed swords often exhibited such characteristics, like Bai Chu Li’s “Flowing Tassel” at the competition, which emanated cold air. But for a divine sword to produce such dense frost, Yan Jue was witnessing something for the first time. After observing Liu Bing for a while, warmth burgeoned in her palm. The mark left by Candle Shadow the previous day began to glow. The searing heat in her palm grew more intense... Yan Jue reached out, gently gripping the sword’s hilt. Boom. In an instant, Yan Jue's mind was flooded with ancient symbols, overwhelming information threatening to tear her apart. Dazzling light… mysterious glyphs… inscriptions of the heavenly way… Yan Jue furrowed her brows tightly. Her mind was noisy, as if two voices were incessantly chattering. "Is this the person you recommended?" A child's clear, crisp voice replied, "Yes, you should accept her for my sake." "I’ve been sleeping here for a thousand years, quite comfortably, with no desire to be disturbed." "As a divine sword, how can you be so lazy!" "Only because you took Qi Xian Qing from me years ago. I was meant to be by his side. After that calamity, I was disheartened and chose to slumber once more." If Yan Jue guessed correctly, it was the divine swords Candle Shadow and Liu Bing conversing. All divine swords possessed spirits, with intelligence akin to a young child of five or six. "In this world, the only master I will recognize is Qi Xian Qing!" Liu Bing seemed to be throwing a fit on the spot. "I want Qi Xian Qing, return me to Qi Xian Qing!" Yan Jue: "..." Listening to their conversation, Yan Jue couldn't help but marvel at how beloved Qi Xian Qing was—not just favored by magical beasts but also by divine swords. Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "What makes you think I should accept you?" The two voices ceased, and the slightly lower-pitched, childlike voice addressed Yan Jue. Liu Bing. Yan Jue opened her eyes, focusing on the dazzling blue light before her: "Did you know, Qi Xian Qing will face numerous dangers in this world? I've vowed to protect her." Silence from Liu Bing. Yan Jue continued, "I lack the strength to protect her." She spoke the truth. The path of cultivation was long, and each night Yan Jue found herself restless. What would she face in the future? What challenges awaited Qi Xian Qing? In this tumultuous world, beneath the serene facade lay countless hidden plots. Yet there was one thing Yan Jue was certain of. Pausing, Yan Jue spoke softly, "But with you by my side, I could protect her much better." "If you care so much about Qi Xian Qing, wouldn't you want to shield her faithfully?" - Meanwhile, at Five Dragon Plaza, the crowd erupted. Sect Leader Mu Zhong Zi gazed coldly at the scene projected above. Yan Jue must not obtain that sword. That was why he specifically sent Jiang Meng Chu with Yan Jue. Jiang Meng Chu, with an innate constitution ideal for cultivation, possessed extraordinary talent—yet even she could not conquer Liu Bing. For an ordinary, pure Yin body like hers, it seemed impossible… With these thoughts, Mu Zhong Zi couldn't help but smile. Yun Rang chuckled, turning leisurely to Qi Xian Qing: "Meng Hang Jun." Suddenly, exclamations spread through Five Dragon Plaza. The image above shone with a dazzling blue radiance. The blue light was so bright it seemed to engulf everything around it. Only an exceptionally powerful magical artifact could emit such intense light! The glow lingered for about a moment before gradually dimming. What everyone saw was Yan Jue holding the long sword. In the sunlight, the lapis lotus-colored hem of Yan Jue's robes fluttered fiercely in the wind, her long black hair flowing with it. She raised the divine sword, her expression solemn, Liu Bing casting a cold gleam in her grasp. Her fair face was illuminated by the sword’s icy light, her amber eyes reflecting Liu Bing's glow. Liu Bing had actually been drawn!