Chapter 1 Qingyun Sect

The Qingyun Sect was nestled among mist-shrouded green mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and ethereal spiritual energy, as if isolated from the world. It was a sacred place for sword cultivators, where countless talented disciples emerged, making it a place of great admiration. The sect's grand mountain gate stood tall and majestic, adorned with carvings of celestial cranes in flight. On the gate pillars, four large characters were engraved: "Ascend to the Azure Heavens", symbolizing the sect's lofty ambitions.

Lin Xuan was just an ordinary outer disciple of the Qingyun Sect. His background was unremarkable—his father had once been an outer disciple of the sect, and his mother had passed away early. Having grown up in the sect, he had witnessed countless geniuses rise to prominence through their superior spiritual roots and outstanding cultivation. His desire for strength only grew more intense with time.

"Sigh, it's this guy again."

As Lin Xuan sat on a cultivation stone, a fellow disciple named Zhang Yang approached with a sneer on his face. Zhang Yang was an inner disciple with exceptional spiritual roots, who often took pleasure in mocking those in the outer sect.

"What, planning to waste another day here?" Zhang Yang gestured toward the Qingyun Heart Sutra in front of Lin Xuan, speaking with feigned ease.

Lin Xuan looked up at him, his expression calm. "Aren't you cultivating as well? Everyone has their own path to walk."

"Hmph, stop dreaming! With spiritual roots like yours, reaching the Golden Core Realm would already be a miracle. I'm far superior to you." Zhang Yang scoffed before turning away, leaving behind a disdainful remark.

Lin Xuan clenched his fists in silent frustration, but he had long grown accustomed to such ridicule. Taking a deep breath, he lowered his head once more and continued reading the Qingyun Heart Sutra. This fundamental sect technique detailed how to guide spiritual energy and attune oneself to the forces of heaven and earth. As he delved into its pages, he felt a mysterious power stirring within him.

"Even though my spiritual roots are ordinary, as long as I work hard, I will achieve something great." Lin Xuan murmured to himself, secretly vowing to grow stronger. He understood that the path of the strong was destined to be arduous, and all he could do was continuously improve himself.

Each day in the Qingyun Sect followed a strict routine. At four in the morning, Lin Xuan was always the first to rise and begin his meditation. After months of relentless practice, he had finally learned to gather spiritual energy—though still far behind his peers, he could feel the power slowly accumulating within him.

"Spiritual energy flows like water; it must be gathered in the heart."

Lin Xuan repeated the elder's teachings in his mind. Seated on the cultivation stone, he silently chanted the mantra, sensing the surrounding spiritual energy and attempting to draw it into his body. As time passed, his breathing became steady, and his mind gradually entered a tranquil state.

Just then, faint whispers reached his ears. Lin Xuan opened his eyes and saw a few disciples in the distance, pointing at him and laughing.

"I heard Lin Xuan is still trying hard to cultivate—how ridiculous. He's just wasting his time." one disciple sneered.

"Yeah, with ordinary spiritual roots, he'll never reach a high realm. He should just give up now." another disciple added mockingly.

Lin Xuan's heart sank. Though he had long been used to such words, he couldn't completely suppress the feeling of disappointment. He looked up at the sky—the sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting its warmth upon his face as if offering him strength.

"I will prove them wrong," Lin Xuan declared firmly. Closing his eyes once more, he resumed his cultivation.

Months of relentless training finally bore fruit. One morning, he felt a subtle change within him—his spiritual energy began to condense steadily in his dantian, carrying a newfound strength. Overjoyed, he stood up, his heart filled with hope.

At that moment, the sect announced the annual training expedition. This was a rare opportunity for outer disciples to gain experience and hone their abilities, and many were eager to participate.

"This time, I won't miss my chance," Lin Xuan resolved, immediately signing up for the training.

The expedition's destination was Cloud Mist Mountain, a place rumored to be rich in spiritual energy—an ideal environment for cultivators. Alongside his fellow disciples, Lin Xuan faced many trials, from ferocious beast attacks to deadly formation tests. Pushing himself to the limit, he gradually grew stronger.

One day, while exploring the mountain, Lin Xuan stumbled upon a hidden cave. Its entrance was concealed by thick vines, making it nearly invisible. Driven by curiosity, he stepped inside. The air grew damp and cool, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the darkness.

"Could there be a treasure inside?" Lin Xuan wondered as he cautiously advanced.

A faint glow gradually illuminated the cavern, revealing an ancient sword casket in the depths. The casket was covered in intricate spiritual runes, emitting a soft radiance. Lin Xuan's heart pounded.

"Could this be the legendary Zixiao Sword?"

Legends spoke of the Zixiao Sword as the Qingyun Sect's divine weapon, a blade that only the chosen one could wield. Lin Xuan's excitement grew as he stepped forward and carefully opened the casket.

In an instant, a dazzling sword light erupted, piercing the heavens and shaking the surroundings. A powerful force enveloped Lin Xuan, as if submerging him in an ocean of sword intent. Closing his eyes, he felt the sword's power resonate deep within his soul, awakening a newfound understanding of the path of the sword.

"I am willing to dedicate myself to the way of the sword!" Lin Xuan vowed, sensing the Zixiao Sword's response. The blinding light gradually faded, revealing a sleek and elegant longsword floating before him.

Carefully, Lin Xuan grasped the hilt, feeling a warmth spread through his body. He knew—this was his opportunity. A surge of gratitude filled his heart as he felt an indescribable harmony with the sword.

"I will train tirelessly and become the strongest swordsman in the Qingyun Sect!" Lin Xuan declared. The sword gleamed in response, as if acknowledging his determination.

Upon returning to the sect, Lin Xuan immersed himself in cultivating the Qingyun Sword Manual. With the Zixiao Sword in hand, his strength soared like a rising tide. His sword techniques grew sharper, his conviction stronger—no obstacle could stand in his way.

The once mocked outer disciple was now a rising star in the sect. Fellow disciples who once ridiculed him began to look at him with admiration and respect. Lin Xuan's name spread throughout the sect, marking his transformation from an ordinary cultivator into a prodigious swordsman.

But just as Lin Xuan reveled in his progress, unrest brewed within the Qingyun Sect. As his power grew, so did the sect's internal struggles. Rivalries emerged, and the once simple camaraderie among disciples became tainted with hidden schemes.

"No matter what, I will stay true to my beliefs and carve my own path in the world of cultivation," Lin Xuan whispered to himself, unwavering in his resolve.

In the days to come, he would not only refine his swordsmanship but also navigate the treacherous web of sect politics and hidden conspiracies. He knew—the path of cultivation was fraught with challenges. But no matter the odds, he would press forward, forging his own legend.