Chapter 59: Getting to the Sword God Sect

"Well... We've been together for some time now," Liu Mingxia began, her voice growing softer with each word. "And I think we'd make a great team. And... And your demonic powers..."

Her voice trailed off, the unspoken thoughts lingering in the air between them.

"Mingxia, you know I have to go to the Sword God Sect," Dao Wei replied gently, his expression serious. "And there's someone I'm still looking for. However, I'd appreciate it if you could take Xuner with you for the time being. When I'm settled, I'll come to get her."

Liu Mingxia wasn't impressed by his response, her mind racing with doubts. 'Does he think I don't want to be with him? Or does he have someone else? No, he's never mentioned anyone else aside from his master and the woman he's looking for.' "Wei... I don't mind taking Xuner with me. I'm sure she'll love it, right, Xuner?"

Xuner, who had been quietly watching the two of them, blinked in surprise as the attention shifted to her. "Huh... Mhmm... Big Brother, will you also take Sister Mingxia with us when you come?"

Dao Wei hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "Huhh... Yes, if both of you want that, then I'll take you both."

Liu Mingxia suddenly changed the subject, her tone lightening as she brought up the Sword God Sect registration. "Wei, the registration ends in a week's time. It's a few days' journey from here on the fastest flying beast. You'll need to leave soon if you want to make it in time."

Dao Wei nodded, grateful for the shift in conversation. "You're right. I'll need to move quickly."

Their discussion continued, filled with the usual banter and lighthearted teasing that had become a hallmark of their time together. But beneath the surface, there was an unspoken understanding—a bond that had been forged through trials and shared experiences, one that would endure even as they went their separate ways.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the hidden oasis, Dao Wei felt a sense of resolve settle within him. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges he could only begin to imagine. But with the memories of this moment, of the laughter and warmth they shared, he knew he could face whatever lay ahead.

For now, they were together, and that was enough.

Dao Wei stood at the edge of the forest, the evening sun casting long shadows over the small paradise. He turned to Liu Mingxia and Xuner, both of whom had become important to him over the course of their journey. The time had come for them to part ways.

"Mingxia," Dao Wei began, his voice steady and calm, "take Xuner with you and keep an eye on her. I trust you to take good care of her."

Liu Mingxia nodded, her eyes softening as she glanced at Xuner. "Of course, Wei. I'll make sure she's safe."

Dao Wei then knelt down to Xuner's level, a gentle smile on his face. "Xuner, would you be okay?"

Xuner's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Yes, I will, Big Brother." She hugged him tightly, her small frame trembling with excitement.

He patted her head affectionately. "Good. Stay with Mingxia and be safe. I'll come to see you soon."

Liu Mingxia, though a bit jealous of how close Dao Wei and Xuner had become, understood the bond they shared. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, but she quickly suppressed it. There were more important things at hand.

"Wei'er," Liu Mingxia said softly, "we'll meet again in two years at the Royal Capital Academy. All the sects in the Capital will be present."

Dao Wei nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and anticipation. "I'll be there. Until then, take care of each other."

With a final farewell, Dao Wei watched as Liu Mingxia and Xuner walked away, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance. He stood there for a moment, reflecting on the battles they had fought and the lives they had impacted. Each encounter had left a mark on him, shaping his journey and resolve.

Turning back to the path ahead, Dao Wei began his journey to the Sword God Sect alone. The road was long but he welcomed each one as an opportunity to grow stronger. 

_Sword God Sect_

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the vast landscape that surrounded the Sword God Sect. Perched on a mountain peak, Dao Wei gazed out over the sprawling sect, a marvel of ancient architecture and natural beauty. The sect, located on the southern outskirts of the Capital, covered an area so vast that it seemed to merge with the horizon. Its magnificence was something that even Dao Wei, who had grown up in the grand Abyssal Chasm, found difficult to comprehend.

"Wow... This place is amazing," Dao Wei murmured to himself, his eyes tracing the outline of the sect from a mile away. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming, with towering peaks and sprawling valleys all within the sect's boundaries. "We could probably fit four Dragon Cities in this place."

The thought of such a massive area being dedicated solely to a sect, rather than a small city, was almost absurd to Dao Wei. But as he looked closer, he could see that the Sword God Sect was more than just a sect; it was a world unto itself. Seven majestic peaks, each representing a different school of the Sword Dao, stood proudly in the distance, their silhouettes sharp against the sky. These peaks were led by the Seven Sword Elders, the most powerful and respected figures within the sect.

Yet, even among these impressive peaks, two mountains stood out. They loomed like colossal swords thrust into the earth, their jagged edges piercing the heavens. The Sword God Sect was truly a giant among sects, not only in its power but also in its grandeur and beauty.

"Okay, this is it," Dao Wei said, steeling himself as he leaped off the peak, flying straight toward the sect's gates.

As he approached, the scale of the Sword God Sect became even more apparent. What he had thought were gates from a distance were, in fact, the entrance to a massive piazza. The area was crowded with disciples from various peaks, all dressed in plain white robes. Despite the throngs of people, the atmosphere was one of order and purpose.

Dao Wei, in his regal attire, stood out starkly against the sea of white. As he wandered through the piazza, his sharp senses picked up on a group of young cultivators engaged in an animated discussion.

"Are you here for the trials? Our Sword God Sect is holding the elite trials soon!" one of them exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "It's a chance for new disciples to join their ranks."

Dao Wei's interest was piqued. The Sword God Sect was renowned for its mastery of the Sword Dao, and joining their ranks would be a significant step in his quest to perfect his swordsmanship. He approached the group, his curiosity evident.

"Excuse me," Dao Wei said politely, "can you tell me more about the trials?"

The young cultivators turned to him, their eyes widening as they took in his appearance. Dao Wei's calm demeanor and the faint aura of power he exuded commanded respect.

"Of course," one of them replied eagerly. "The trials are held annually, and only the best of the best are accepted. The tests are rigorous, designed to push participants to their limits. It's said that those who pass are given unparalleled resources and training."

"Disciples who wish to become elites or inner circle disciples need to pass the five levels of the Sword Pavilion," another cultivator added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's said that the pavilion has nine levels, but since the establishment of the sect, only the ancestor has reached the ninth level. The current sect leader reached the eighth level, and that was the highest. The best disciple only reached the sixth."

Dao Wei nodded thoughtfully, processing the information. 'This trial must be really difficult, after all, not just anyone can be a disciple of the Sword God Sect. Only the best of the best.'

"Thank you," Dao Wei said, bowing slightly. "Where do I need to go to register?"

"Right there," another cultivator chimed in, pointing toward a large registration desk manned by an elder. "There's an elder there who oversees the registrations."

With a grateful nod, Dao Wei made his way toward the registration desk. The piazza was enormous, a grand courtyard surrounded by towering stone pillars and intricately carved statues of ancient sword masters. The ground was paved with smooth, polished stones that reflected the golden light of the setting sun, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene.

At the center of the piazza stood a dignified elder, his presence commanding attention. He was the one in charge of the registrations, and as Dao Wei approached, the elder looked up, his eyes sharp and assessing.

"State your name and place your hand on the crystal," the elder instructed, his voice carrying an air of authority.

Dao Wei stepped forward, about to comply, but he suddenly decided to introduce himself before the elder could finish his sentence. "Dao Wei," he announced with quiet confidence.

The reaction was immediate and unexpected. The elder's eyes widened in shock, his usually composed demeanor faltering. "D-Dao Wei?!" he stammered, his voice betraying a mix of disbelief and reverence. "Y-you are Dao Wei? The trials will begin shortly—follow me!"