Night fell upon Qingling Sect. The air was heavy with mist, and the moon shone pale silver over the sacred grounds. The disciples had returned to their quarters after a day of relentless battles, but Xuanye's heart was restless. Tomorrow, the eyes of every empire, sect, and rival would pierce through him. His duel was the one awaited by all—where they either mocked him or feared him.
He gathered his companions—Su Feilí, Shui Lin, Yue Chányīn, Feng Ruo, and Huo Shan—and together they slipped away from their rooms, ignoring the guards' questioning glances. They ventured deep into the inner sect grounds, where an ancient cave awaited, sealed by runes. The Forbidden Cave of Qingling—a place disciples were forbidden to enter without permission.
Su Feilí frowned."Young Master, this place…"
Xuanye turned to her with a calm yet determined gaze."Only in forbidden places can forbidden thoughts rest. Tonight, we gather here."
The seal on the cave shivered under his Qi, opening silently. Inside, the walls glowed faintly with blue inscriptions. They sat together in a circle, exhaustion clear in their eyes but laughter still on their lips.
"Tomorrow's your day, Xuanye," Shui Lin said with a half-smile. "Do not let them mock you again."
Su Feilí leaned closer, her voice soft, almost like a mother's."Young Master, no matter what happens, I will guard your back."
He smiled faintly, but his heart remained heavy."I hope I can make Qingling proud."
They stayed there for hours, sharing warmth in the chilling cave. When the time came, they parted ways, each returning to their rooms. Xuanye, however, stayed behind. Sleep eluded him.
Inside the Sea of Conscience
Sitting cross-legged, Xuanye entered meditation. His spirit dived into his Sea of Conscience, where endless darkness stretched out, and in its center floated a golden sphere of divine light.
The voice of the spirit echoed, ethereal and commanding."You seem uneasy, child."
Xuanye looked up."Tomorrow is my duel. I can feel the eyes of countless people. If I lose, Qingling loses face. If I win by revealing my attributes, I'll become the target of every lurking enemy."
The spirit's laughter was low, like distant thunder."Then do not reveal your attributes. Conceal your divine thunder. Let your blade speak instead."
Xuanye frowned."But my martial arts are limited. What use is a blade if it's dull?"
The spirit's tone sharpened, filled with authority."Dull? A blade is never dull in the hands of one who dares to kill. If you desire to win, make me your master, and I will grant you my forbidden techniques."
Xuanye was silent for a moment, his fists clenched."Your master? You want me to bow to a spirit whose name I do not even know? Show me your true form first."
For a brief silence, only the golden sphere pulsed. Then it flared."Arrogant… yet worthy. Fine. But only after you acknowledge me."
Xuanye's gaze did not waver."If I must, then so be it."
He knelt. For the first time, he lowered his head completely, touching it to the ground of his inner world."Master, I, Ling Xuanye, bow to you."
The darkness trembled. The golden sphere exploded in radiance, forming into a towering figure clad in ancient golden armor, a crown of shattered stars resting on his head. His eyes burned with divine light—majestic yet lonely.
"I am the Divine Emperor who once ruled the heavens, now sealed within you. From this day forth, you are my sole disciple."
Xuanye rose slowly, his eyes reflecting the light of the emperor."Master… teach me."
The Forbidden Moves
The Divine Emperor extended his hand, and two colossal blades formed from light and void."These are the two forbidden techniques of my era. Remember them well."
虚空裂斩 – Void Rend SlashA single slash capable of tearing the void, devouring anything caught within its arc.
雷神灭寂 – Thunder God's AnnihilationA strike infused with divine thunder, its destructive force amplifies infinitely with the wielder's Qi. Even a late Nascent Soul could be slain under its full might.
"These moves are not mere techniques; they are laws of destruction. Use them wisely, for they will consume you if wielded recklessly."
Xuanye gripped his sword tightly, feeling the forbidden power course through his veins. He practiced under his master's watchful gaze, each swing ripping shockwaves across the Sea of Conscience. Sweat poured, but with every strike, his blade grew sharper.
The Divine Emperor chuckled with rare approval."Good. You learn fast. Now rest. Tomorrow, the world shall witness a new storm."
Dawn of the Duel
Morning came, painting the sky crimson. The assembly ground was packed. Elders, sect masters, emperors, and countless disciples filled the stands. Whispers of Xuanye's humiliation from the day before still echoed among them.
Xuanye walked toward the stage, his black-and-navy robes swaying lightly, his sword resting against his back. His steps were calm, but his eyes burned with unspoken fire.
As he reached the center, he bowed respectfully to the audience, to the emperors, and lastly to his father, Sect Master Lin Tianyan.
The referee raised his voice."Ling Xuanye of Qingling Sect, step forward!"
Xuanye's presence silenced the murmurs. His blade gleamed under the morning light.
Today's duel would not just decide victory.It would shake the heavens.
To be continued...