Blood and Steel: The Quest to Master the Blade

Chapter 16 – Blood and Steel: The Quest to Master the Blade

The air crackled with tension as Shen Tian stood within the training grounds of the sect, his newly acquired Heavenly Saber of Wind resting against his shoulder. He could feel the energy pulsating from the weapon, its sharp edge thirsting for combat. Dual-wielding the sword and saber would require more than just raw strength—it needed precision, skill, and mastery.

Sirus's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet firm.

"Host, the first step in mastering dual-wielding is synchronizing both weapons with your Qi. Without that, you'll only be swinging wildly. I will provide guidance, but the pain of failure will be yours to bear."

Shen Tian smirked. "Pain is just another form of training."

The system responded instantly.

[System Quest: Forge the Path of the Warrior]

• Objective 1: Defeat 20 inner disciples using dual-wielding techniques.

• Objective 2: Kill 5 rogue cultivators outside the sect to absorb their battle experience.

• Danger Level: A-Class

• Rewards: Increased Weapon Mastery, Strengthened Divine Sense, System Points

• Failure Penalty: Weakened Foundation

The First Challenge – Facing the Inner Disciples

Word had spread about Shen Tian's rapid rise in strength, and the inner disciples of the sect, filled with envy and skepticism, saw this as an opportunity to test him.

A tall, broad-shouldered disciple named Han Li stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. His cultivation was at the Late Core Formation Stage, higher than Shen Tian's. He sneered, drawing his greatsword, its weight alone capable of shattering bones.

"Shen Tian, let's see if you're really as powerful as the rumors say. Or are you just another weakling relying on cheap tricks?"

Shen Tian exhaled, his Heavenly Saber of Wind in his right hand, while his Dragon Fang Spear rested at his back. His left hand rested on the hilt of his newly acquired Spirit Sword, still sheathed.

"You talk too much," Shen Tian said, his voice calm. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Han Li lunged first, his greatsword coming down like a falling meteor. The force behind the attack could cleave a normal disciple in half.

But Shen Tian vanished.

"Wind Step."

He reappeared behind Han Li in an instant, his saber slashing forward. The wind-enhanced strike cut through the air, nearly catching Han Li off guard.

The greatsword swung around in a wide arc, but Shen Tian ducked low, using his Spirit Sword for the first time.

"Lightning Draw."

A sharp blue arc of electricity crackled as Shen Tian drew his blade with blinding speed, slicing across Han Li's armor. Sparks erupted as metal scraped against metal.

The crowd gasped. Han Li staggered back, his chestplate cracked open, revealing a thin trail of blood.

Shen Tian smirked. "Too slow."

Han Li roared, pushing his Qi into his greatsword.

"Mountain Shattering Strike!"

The attack descended like an avalanche, shaking the very ground beneath them.

Shen Tian's eyes gleamed. This was the perfect moment to push his new skills further.

Dual-Wielding – Synchronization

Sirus's voice whispered in his mind.

"Now. Let the Yin energy from your left sword balance the Yang energy from your right saber. Feel the flow."

Shen Tian closed his eyes for a split second, feeling the opposing energies within him. The Spirit Sword in his left hand carried pure Yin, while the Heavenly Saber of Wind radiated pure Yang.

For the first time, he merged them into one flow.

His body glowed faintly, the balance of Yin and Yang harmonizing within his Qi pathways.

As Han Li's greatsword descended, Shen Tian twisted his body sideways, barely dodging, and countered with both blades at once.

"Twin Fang Slash."

His Spirit Sword struck first, its Yin energy freezing Han Li's arm for a brief moment, while his Saber of Wind followed, slicing through Han Li's exposed ribs.

Blood sprayed into the air.

Han Li staggered back, his eyes wide in disbelief. He barely had time to react before Shen Tian stepped forward, his Spirit Sword pressed against Han Li's throat.

"Yield."

The entire crowd fell silent.

Han Li trembled, realizing his defeat was absolute. His greatsword slipped from his grip, clattering against the stone floor.

"I… I yield."

[System Notification: Objective 1 Progress – 1/20 Inner Disciples Defeated]

A Blood-Soaked Path – The Hunt for Rogue Cultivators

With his first duel won, Shen Tian wasted no time. The next part of the quest would require him to leave the sect and hunt rogue cultivators—dangerous exiles and criminals who lived outside the laws of sects and empires.

They were brutal, ruthless, and more importantly—they carried the experience of true life-and-death battles.

"System, locate the nearest rogue cultivators."

A map appeared in his mind, pinpointing a hideout deep within the forest beyond the sect's borders.

Sirus's voice echoed.

"Be careful. These men are not bound by honor or rules. They will use every dirty trick to kill you. But if you defeat them… you will absorb not only their Qi, but also their combat experience and memories."

Shen Tian's eyes darkened with resolve.

"Perfect."

Without hesitation, he took off toward the forest, his swords gleaming under the moonlight.

The real hunt was about to begin.

Next Chapter: A Duel to the Death – The Rogue Cultivators' Trial