Chapter 15: Preparing for the Challenge – Sword and Heart as One
---
After becoming the First Disciple of Soaring Blade Peak, Han Ye had only seven days before his official challenge against the inner disciples.
The entire peak was watching.
Many disciples doubted him, while others were eager to see his strength.
If he lost, he would become a joke.
If he won, his status would be solidified.
Inside his courtyard, Han Ye sat in deep thought.
His wives, Luo Xin and Luo Jin, were beside him, their gentle hands massaging his shoulders.
Luo Xin whispered, "Husband, I know you will win."
Luo Jin nodded. "But you should still prepare well. The inner disciples are strong, and some of them might not fight fair."
Han Ye smiled. "I know. That's why… I need to train harder."
He looked at his sword, Silver Moon, a weapon he had received upon passing the Sword Peak Trial Formation.
Now, it was time to unlock its full potential.
---
Training Begins – Guidance from the Peak Master
Early the next morning, Han Ye stood before the Grand Hall of Soaring Blade Peak, awaiting his master.
Jian Wushuang arrived, his robes fluttering in the wind.
"Han Ye," he said, "since you're my disciple, I won't allow you to lose this challenge."
He waved his hand, and a silver light shot forward.
BOOM!
A vast training field appeared, surrounded by floating sword formations.
Jian Wushuang's voice echoed:
"Today, I will teach you the true essence of the Soaring Blade Sword Style."
Han Ye's heart pounded.
He had read about this technique before. It was the peak sword art of Soaring Blade Peak, a skill only taught to direct disciples of the Peak Master.
Jian Wushuang lifted a single finger—
SWOOSH!
A sword beam shot out, splitting the sky in two!
Han Ye's eyes widened.
The sheer sharpness of that attack was beyond anything he had ever seen.
Jian Wushuang turned to him. "This is the first form—Heavenly Soaring Slash. Watch carefully."
---
The Days of Intense Training
For the next six days, Han Ye trained relentlessly.
He practiced the three forms of the Soaring Blade Sword Style:
1. Heavenly Soaring Slash – A single strike that cuts through everything in its path.
2. Void Step Blade Dance – A speed-based technique that allows rapid movement while attacking.
3. Moonlit Sword Domain – A defensive and offensive technique that creates a sword aura barrier.
His body ached, but he pushed forward.
Luo Xin and Luo Jin watched from the side, bringing him food and tending to his injuries.
At night, they comforted him, their soft embraces soothing his exhaustion.
Luo Xin whispered one night, "Husband, no matter what happens, we are with you."
Han Ye smiled, pulling them close. "Then, I will never lose."
---
The Day of the Challenge
The entire peak had gathered at the Soaring Blade Battle Arena.
Jian Wushuang, the elders, and even disciples from other peaks had come to watch.
Han Ye stood in the center, his sword in hand.
Across from him, Wu Tian, Zhao Yan, and Feng Rui stood, their eyes sharp.
Wu Tian smirked. "Let's see if you truly deserve your position."
Han Ye took a deep breath.
The time had come.
The battle was about to begin.
---
End of Chapter