Sword Dao Trial, Grasping the True Path
Deep within the Divine Hidden Forbidden Land of Qingyun Sect.
In the dim stone hall, an ancient stone monument that had remained dormant for millennia stood solemnly, its surface covered in mysterious and ancient inscriptions, as if bearing the weight of countless secrets.
Xiao Chen stood before the monument, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He could feel that this forbidden land was far more mysterious than he had anticipated, and completely different from the outside world of Qingyun Sect.
From the moment he stepped into this place, he had sensed that the spiritual energy here was incredibly dense, even several times stronger than that of the sect's core training grounds!
"What exactly is this place?"
A trace of shock flickered in Xiao Chen's eyes.
Beside him, Yun Yanran stood quietly, her white robes fluttering gently like an ethereal orchid, her presence cold and distant.
She gazed at the stone monument and spoke softly:
"The Divine Hidden Forbidden Land is the true inheritance ground of Qingyun Sect."
"Throughout the history of Qingyun Sect, only a select few have known of its existence. And you… are the first person to be brought here voluntarily."
Xiao Chen frowned slightly. "Why?"
Yun Yanran did not answer. Instead, she raised her slender fingers and lightly tapped the stone monument.
Buzz—!
In an instant, the entire stone hall seemed to awaken from dormancy. The inscriptions on the stone monument slowly flowed like liquid gold, releasing a dazzling radiance.
The next moment, five ancient trial gates materialized in the air. Each gate was inscribed with intricate patterns, exuding completely different auras.
Yun Yanran's tone was calm and unwavering:
"These are the Five Divine Hidden Trials."
She turned her gaze toward Xiao Chen and said in a steady voice:
"These are the trials left behind by Qingyun Sect's founding ancestor. Only those who pass them may obtain the 'Divine Hidden Inheritance'."
Xiao Chen swept his gaze over the five gates, his eyes deep in thought.
First Gate: Soul Trial (Tempering the Soul's Strength) Second Gate: Body Trial (Strengthening Flesh and Bones) Third Gate: Battle Intent Trial (Awakening True Combat Instincts) Fourth Gate: Sword Dao Trial (Comprehending the True Path of the Sword) Fifth Gate: Willpower Trial (Breaking the Limits of One's Mind and Spirit)
"These trials… have been attempted by previous disciples throughout history," Yun Yanran continued.
"But until now, no one has ever fully completed them."
"Even the past Grand Elders could only pass four trials before ultimately failing at the Fifth Gate."
A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. He did not hesitate, nor did he waver. Instead, he smiled faintly.
"If I'm already here, then I will challenge them all."
"I never leave a path for retreat."
Fourth Trial: Sword Dao Trial
Xiao Chen stepped toward the fourth gate and pushed it open.
In an instant, the world around him changed drastically!
He now stood in an endless void, where countless swords floated in the air, radiating terrifying sword intent.
At the very center of this void—
A single ancient sword floated in silence.
This sword was deep blue, and its blade was inscribed with ancient runes, carrying an aura of unparalleled dominance.
It had no wielder, yet it emitted a supreme presence, as if reigning over all other swords in existence.
At this moment, a deep and distant voice echoed in the void:
"Do you have the qualifications… to wield this sword?"
Xiao Chen's gaze sharpened. He took a step forward and reached for the sword.
But the moment his fingers neared the hilt—
Boom!!!
An overwhelming sword intent exploded forth!
It was not a mere surge of energy—this sword intent pierced directly into his soul, causing his mind to tremble violently, as if it would be torn apart on the spot!
"What?!"
Xiao Chen's expression changed slightly, finally understanding what Yun Yanran had meant.
This was not a test of technique.
This was a test of understanding—the comprehension of the Sword Dao itself!
The Sword Dao was not just about skills and swordsmanship.
It was about the very essence of "Dao"—the Way itself!
If he could not withstand this overwhelming sword intent, he would never be able to wield this sword, let alone grasp the true meaning of Sword Dao!
Xiao Chen took a deep breath, forcibly calming his mind.
The sword's will had already infiltrated his soul, and resisting it with brute force was futile.
"So this is the test…"
His eyes flashed with clarity.
Since brute strength could not overcome it, he would not resist—
Instead, he would embrace it!
Closing his eyes, he let his mind completely merge with the vast ocean of sword intent.
In that instant—
His soul trembled violently.
Memories of every battle he had fought, every sword he had faced, flashed before his eyes.
The sword strikes of his enemies. The countless slashes he had dodged. The moments where life and death were decided by the edge of a blade.
Everything came flooding back, as if engraving itself deep into his soul!
His breathing slowed, his heartbeat steadied.
The overwhelming sword intent no longer seemed like a crushing force.
Instead…
It was guidance.
It was revealing to him…
The path beyond swordsmanship—the true Sword Dao.
The path where a sword is no longer just a weapon, but an extension of one's own will!
At this moment, Xiao Chen's hand moved once again.
This time, when he reached for the sword—
There was no resistance.
Instead—
The sword responded.
A low humming sound echoed in the void.
Then—
Boom!
The sword merged with his body, transforming into an endless stream of knowledge and power that surged into his mind!
In an instant—
Xiao Chen comprehended the essence of Sword Dao!
Not just wielding the sword, but becoming one with it.
Not just attacking with the sword, but commanding it with intent alone!
At this moment, his understanding of the sword had stepped onto an entirely new level!
The void trembled, and the deep voice echoed once more—
"You have passed the trial."
"From this day forth, you are no longer just a swordsman…"
"You… have stepped onto the path of the Sword Dao."
[Sword Dao Trial—Passed!]
Xiao Chen opened his eyes.
He was back in the Divine Hidden Forbidden Land's stone hall.
Yun Yanran gazed at him silently.
His aura had changed.
Before, he had been a warrior who wielded a sword.
Now—
He was a swordsman who had begun to comprehend true swordsmanship.
Yun Yanran finally spoke, her voice calm but tinged with a trace of surprise.
"You… actually did it?"
Xiao Chen glanced at her, then slowly clenched his fist.
Even without drawing a sword, a trace of sword intent lingered between his fingers.
He smiled faintly.
"I did more than just pass."
"Now, I have truly begun to step into the realm of Sword Dao."