Chapter 7: The New Peaks and Silent Grudges
The grand gates of the Heavenly Sword Sect loomed high above the clouds, their sharp edges reflecting sunlight like the edge of a divine blade. Today, a new batch of disciples arrived to undergo the Joining Test. Among them were nobles, geniuses, and proud heirs of influential clans. And within this crowd were Liu Bing, Bai Si, and several other young masters and mistresses of the Great Yan Dynasty.
At the center of the test stood a cold and graceful woman—Elder Fang Lanyue, known for her strictness and unrivaled sword mastery. Her presence alone quieted even the proudest talents.
"Begin," she said softly, but her voice carried across the entire platform like thunder.
Each participant stepped forward to demonstrate sword comprehension, spiritual awareness, and combat instincts. As the tests progressed, most received average evaluations—B grade, some A. But then came Ye Chen, a quiet boy with sharp eyes and a strange calmness. When his turn came, his sword aura surged with overwhelming force.
A loud clang echoed as his sword shattered the testing stone. The elders narrowed their eyes. He was no ordinary talent.
"Ye Chen: Highest score in this batch," an elder announced. Whispers erupted like waves.
Meanwhile, Liu Bing stood to the side, his pride wounded, his eyes glancing toward Bai Si.
He stepped toward her awkwardly. "Bai Si... I—"
She didn't let him finish. Her gaze was distant, cold, but pain flickered in her eyes. "Don't speak. It's already over."
Liu Bing clenched his fists. Regret churned in Bai Si's heart, but she turned away. She had once loved him, but the broken engagement—forced or not—had created a rift that could no longer be crossed easily.
On the sidelines, several young masters whispered amongst themselves.
"Did you hear? Liu Guan Yi became the Sect Leader's disciple directly."
"Hmph. Just because of some ancient sword choosing him. What's talent without background?"
"Still... A+ aptitude, Sword Sect's personal disciple, and even declared Crown Prince? Heaven really gave him everything in one day."
"Tch, we'll see how long his arrogance lasts."
Jealousy swelled like a tide. Liu Guan Yi's silence, his cold gaze, and his indifference to fame only added to the unease others felt toward him.
As the new disciples were arranged into peaks, Liu Guan Yi, under Sect Leader Ji Ning, was brought directly to the Main Peak—a place even core disciples rarely stepped foot upon.
Watching his figure disappear into the clouds, Liu Bing felt a strange mix of resentment and inferiority claw at his heart.
And above them all, the Ancient Longevity Sword hummed faintly in the main hall, as if it were waiting.
The new generation had arrived.
But only a few would reach the summit.