Ahead lies the Azure Kite Sea, shrouded in mist!
Even in the dense fog, faint, lofty bird cries can be heard, echoing through the air. Yet, these calls are not ordinary; they are sharp, like the howl of a sword's Qi, making them uniquely grating.
This is the Azure Kite Sea—home to azure kites descending from the heavens, magnificent and extraordinary.
Surrounding the Azure Kite Sea are grand palaces and pavilions, most of which house restaurants, inns, and various shops, forming a circular street known as the renowned Azure Kite Street. It is a place that sword cultivators worldwide dream of visiting.
However, even if they yearn for it, few can afford it!
The treasures of the Ten Thousand Swords Sea are rare and precious. To an ordinary Blue Soul sword cultivator, stepping into this realm is like a countryman visiting the city, overwhelmed and cautious. In this world, Blue Soul sword cultivators might be considered powerful guardians, but here, in the Ten Thousand Swords Sea, they are dwarfed by the presence of true celestial sword immortals.
The Azure Kite Street's inns and restaurants offer prime views of the Azure Kite Sea. Guests can lie in bed, sip fine wine, enjoy exquisite dishes, and watch as talents from across the Ten Thousand Swords Sea showcase their skills. It is truly a delightful experience!
When Yun Xiao arrived at the entrance to the Azure Kite Sea, a crowd had already gathered.
"Wait a bit longer," Ning Yan said coldly. "The Azure Kite Sea will open its gates soon." Her tone was frosty. Throughout their journey, though no flying swords had targeted her directly, as Yun Xiao's designated protector, each attack on him felt like a blow to her pride.
"Alright," Yun Xiao replied indifferently.
His gaze remained fixed on the Azure Kite Sea. Through the fog, he could make out azure birds flitting about in the distance. These were no ordinary birds—they were constructs, forged with monster bones and infused with sword Qi. Inscribed with runes, they were not living creatures but seemed alive as they soared gracefully through the clouds.
"These must be the first-level azure kites," Yun Xiao mused. "I wonder what the second- and third-level azure kites are like... and the legendary forty-level azure kites at the center?"
His anticipation grew. Although the great powers of the Ten Thousand Swords Sea had not acted against him yet, he could feel countless eyes on him—sharp, piercing gazes emanating from inns, restaurants, and the surrounding crowd.
Most of them were filled with malice.
Beyond the Azure Kite Sea, Yun Xiao's eyes caught a shadowy outline in the distance—a tall, black tower shrouded in mist. It was the Taboo Tower.
As Yun Xiao stood observing, whispers filled the air.
"He really dared to come here. This is a direct provocation to the taboo."
"Does he think the Sword Cloud Sword Lord will protect him? Reckless fool..."
Mocking voices emerged from the crowd, some dripping with scorn. Yun Xiao recognized one of them—it was Lin Lin.
Soon, a group from the Sword Cloud Sect approached, led by Ning Que, the Sword Cloud helmsman, accompanied by the sword prodigies Lin Chen and Ning Jing, as well as several elders and disciples.
"Tagging along?" Ning Yan sneered as she shot a glance at the approaching group.
"Sister-in-law, don't concern yourself too much. Today, Jing will challenge the six-level azure kites," Ning Jing said softly, her tone humble yet determined.
"Are you confident?" Lin Chen asked, his gaze steady.
"Last time, I missed by just ten percent," Ning Jing replied, clenching her fists. "This time, I won't fail!"
Lin Lin, ever brash, smirked. "Let's hope these azure kites can at least disgrace that arrogant fool!"
Ning Jing shook her head. "Lin, you underestimate him. Though his strength is mediocre, Yun Xiao's Sword Soul mastery is exceptional. That connection to the azure kites might allow him to claim even a ten-level azure kite today."
Lin Lin frowned. "Impossible! The ten-level azure kite belongs to Brother Chu. He has a two-colored Sword Soul!"
As tensions rose, laughter echoed across the square. The crowd parted, making way for a group of imposing figures.
"It's the Buddhist Clan and the Taboo Tower!" someone murmured.
Leading the group was the Buddhist Family Lord, a towering man with golden curls, one eye, and an aura of unmatched dominance. Beside him were two prodigies of the Taboo Tower—Xiao Xing'er, a beautiful young woman in a flowing red-black dress, and a beastly, towering youth clad in a white-gold robe, known as the Buddhist Reflection.
Ning Yan leaned toward Yun Xiao and whispered, "Those two are some of the strongest Heaven's Chosen from the Taboo Tower. Both are at the pinnacle of Source Pill Realm."
Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Like Ning Jing?"
"Yes, but much stronger. The girl, Xiao Xing'er, is the niece of Xiao Yu, while the young man, Buddhist Reflection, is the son of the Buddhist Family Lord and their chosen successor."
Yun Xiao scoffed. "And yet, they're here instead of fighting on the Northern Front. Convenient timing."
Ning Yan smiled wryly. "Reflection broke through just today. Timing indeed."
As the two factions converged, what should have been a tense encounter between Sword Cloud and Taboo Tower became something else entirely.
Ning Que and the Buddhist Family Lord greeted each other warmly, laughing and exchanging pleasantries. Lin Chen, meanwhile, was openly affectionate with Xiao Xing'er. Even the juniors mingled casually, chatting and teasing as if they were old friends.
Yun Xiao watched in silence, his thoughts darkening.
"This... is a den of traitors," he muttered under his breath.
Sword Cloud and Taboo Tower, supposedly at war, seemed more like allies in their camaraderie. The sight was sickening.
At that moment, the Taboo Tower prodigies—Buddhist Reflection and Xiao Xing'er—turned their attention to Yun Xiao.
"Is he here to challenge the azure kite?" Buddhist Reflection's voice was laced with disdain, his tone cold and threatening.
"My father even pressured Northern Ningxia to turn a blind eye, ensuring the ten-level azure kite falls into his hands," Lin Lin sneered, her words biting and malicious.
"Hasn't anyone dealt with him yet?" Xiao Xing'er remarked with an air of contempt, her eyes rolling in annoyance.
"Plenty tried," Lin Chen replied. "But with Ning Yan protecting him, no one powerful enough has dared to make a move."
He glanced toward Yun Xiao with a flicker of frustration. If not for the fear of his father's wrath, Lin Chen might have taken action himself.
"The Sword Cloud is pathetic—utterly spineless," Buddhist Reflection growled. "In the end, it seems the Taboo Tower must step in personally."
"There's an opportunity within the Azure Kite Sea," Lin Chen said thoughtfully, turning to Lin Lin. "If you act once we're inside, we won't interfere. However, if Father learns of it, his anger may turn toward us."
"Fine. After we enter, we'll take care of it," Xiao Xing'er said, her voice sweet but laced with a chilling resolve.
"Our priority is the six-level azure kites," Buddhist Reflection said firmly. "His strength doesn't compare to Chu Yan's. Eliminating him will be a simple matter."
Xiao Xing'er and Ning Jing exchanged glances before nodding. Ning Jing, hesitant and conflicted, cast a nervous look toward Ning Yan.
"Paternal Aunt…" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "What do we do?"
The situation was fraught with tension. The entire Ning family was divided, and Ning Jing's indecision was painfully evident.
As the undercurrents of plotting and tension simmered, a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire as over ten thousand onlookers erupted into whispers.
"The Taboo Tower Saintess!"
"She's here? How unexpected!"
Heads turned, and the atmosphere grew electric. At the far end of Azure Kite Street, a figure emerged—a young woman cloaked in black and red robes, exuding an aura of cold authority. Her presence was both commanding and ethereal, and every step she took seemed to silence the crowd further.
The Saintess of the Taboo Tower had arrived.