The morning sun gleamed over the Jade Sword Mountains, illuminating the ruins of the Heavenly Sword Sect with renewed warmth. Today was an important day — one that would mark the sect's first real step toward regaining its former glory.
Zhou Yu stood in the Forge Hall, dusting off debris and examining the broken tools and anvils. Ling padded beside him, tail flicking with anticipation, while Liang Chen watched nervously, unsure of what to expect.
"This hall is the heart of the sect's weapons," Zhou Yu said. "If we can restore it, we can craft flying swords, repair broken weapons, and even train disciples in sword techniques more efficiently."
Zhou Yu carefully assessed the damage. The roof was partially collapsed, several anvils and hammers were broken, and the magical furnaces were cracked and cold. Using Body Refining techniques, he lifted rubble with precision, reinforced the walls, and channeled Qi into the remaining furnaces to restore the residual heat necessary for forging.
Next, he used the Star-Essence Iron and Sun-Moon Steel fragments he had recovered to recreate the first weapon for the newly reborn sect — a flying sword infused with residual Sword Qi.
"Focus your Qi," Zhou Yu muttered, extending his energy into the forge. Sparks danced along the metal as the blade took shape. The sword seemed to resonate with his intent, pulsing faintly as if alive.
After several hours, the flying sword hovered steadily, its aura gleaming with sharp, silver light. This was the first proper weapon of the Heavenly Sword Sect's revival, a symbol of their potential and Zhou Yu's growing mastery over Sword Qi and formations.
As Zhou Yu inspected the flying sword, Liang Chen felt an intense surge of energy in his body. The Blood Flame Fruit he had consumed in Crimson Valley, combined with Zhou Yu's training, caused his Body Refining cultivation to breakthrough from the 1st to the 2nd layer.
Pain coursed through his muscles and bones, but Zhou Yu steadied him, guiding his Qi and reinforcing the circulatory paths. Slowly, the boy's body stabilized, denser and stronger than before.
"You've done it," Zhou Yu said, eyes gleaming. "This is the first of many breakthroughs. Your body is your foundation — if it grows strong, your sword will follow."
Liang Chen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I… I did it, Master Zhou Yu!"
"Yes," Zhou Yu replied with a faint smile. "And this is only the beginning. Every trial, every battle, will push you further."
Their celebration was cut short by a faint ripple in the air — an unnatural chill and a whisper of hostile Sword Qi. From the ridge above the sect, several figures in dark red robes emerged. The Scarlet Moon Demonic Sect, clearly aware of the sect's revival, had come to test their strength.
Zhou Yu's expression hardened. "Prepare yourself, Liang Chen. This is no minor scouting party."
The enemies advanced, talismans glowing with demonic energy. Zhou Yu extended his Qi into the Flying Sword Formation, three blades rising into the air, spinning with lethal precision. Ling growled, baring his teeth. Liang Chen gritted his teeth, ready to follow Zhou Yu's instructions.
The clash was intense. Zhou Yu's formation allowed him to control space, striking from multiple angles while defending against the scouts' attacks. Liang Chen, though inexperienced, managed to defend himself with guidance, his newly strengthened body helping him react faster.
After a tense exchange, the Scarlet Moon scouts retreated, leaving faint warning talismans etched in the soil. Zhou Yu knew this was only a minor attack — the real threat would come later, when the sect was stronger and more dangerous in the eyes of their enemies.
That evening, Zhou Yu stood atop the ridge, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. The Forge Hall glowed faintly below, the first flying sword hovering proudly. Liang Chen practiced nearby, his movements sharper, stronger, and more confident. Ling lay beside Zhou Yu, ears twitching, sensing potential danger even in the quiet.
"This is only the beginning," Zhou Yu murmured. "The sect will rise, but the enemies are patient. They will strike again. We must grow stronger… faster."
The ruins of the Heavenly Sword Sect were no longer a symbol of the past — they were a beacon of the future, a place where disciples could train, swords could fly, and legends could begin anew.