Chapter 29: Silver Orchid and Ink Jade

"You know him?" Duan Qingming stepped up beside Gu Pinglin.

The fact that he had noticed even the slightest reaction put Gu Pinglin on guard. He replied calmly, "I've heard of him—the Silver Orchid Family."

Duan Qingming watched Li Moqing with keen interest. "The Silver Orchid Family has been regaining prominence in recent years. This man is no simple figure. It makes me rather eager—just how formidable is the true Silver Orchid Sword Art?"

The Silver Orchid Li Family—one of the three great cultivation clans ten thousand years ago. Their sword art once dominated the north and south. But by the 275th generation, a romantic named Li Dongli defied his family to marry a woman with innate deficiencies. Worse, Li Dongli was the sole heir of his line. From then on, his descendants inherited the woman's flawed meridians, rendering them near-cripples. The illustrious Silver Orchid Family fell into decline.

Countless cultivators coveted their sword art, seeking to plunder it in their weakened state. Were it not for the Li Family's past favors to two major sects and generations of shrewd diplomacy, they would have vanished long ago.

Though the Silver Orchid Family had declined, their sword art's reputation endured. Naturally, Duan Qingming was intrigued.

Seeing the glint in his eyes, Gu Pinglin frowned slightly. "You'd challenge a half-cripple?"

"Of course not."

The answer was expected. A man as proud and arrogant as Duan Qingming wouldn't stoop to such a thing. Gu Pinglin wasn't worried.

"What if we gave him the Stone Lotus Seed?" Duan Qingming suddenly suggested.

"What did you say?" Gu Pinglin's voice turned icy.

Duan Qingming remained unfazed. "The Stone Lotus Seed might cure Li Moqing's meridian defects. With his talent, he could surely master the highest levels of the Silver Orchid Sword Art."

The Stone Lotus Seed was a treasure countless cultivators dreamed of! With it, a cultivator gained an extra chance at advancement. Now, without the Mending Heaven Art as his trump card, Duan Qingming actually considered giving it away—just to witness a sword art. Gu Pinglin had always known this man was a little mad, but this was beyond belief. He scoffed, "You'd truly part with it?"

Duan Qingming glanced at him, then chuckled. "Just a thought. No need for anger."

"Why would I be angry?" Gu Pinglin composed himself. "The Stone Lotus Seed is yours to do with as you please. I only hope you won't regret it."

Duan Qingming smiled. "How could I dare to casually give away a gift from Junior Brother Gu?"

The teasing was obvious, but Gu Pinglin let it pass, relieved. Li Moqing might need the Stone Lotus Seed, but Duan Qingming needed it more. Cultivation breakthroughs were perilous—in their past life, he had failed once. Without the Mending Heaven Art to mend his physique, the Stone Lotus Seed was his safeguard. Gu Pinglin had given it to him as compensation for altering his fate. After all, he needed an opponent as formidable as the one from his past life to settle his Daoist obsession.

Just then, a commotion erupted at the valley entrance. Both turned to look.

A dark-skinned, burly man strode out from the valley. He clasped his fists in greeting, his spine straight, exuding pride. His voice boomed like a great bell: "The time has come! By the Valley Master's decree, Divine Craftsmen Valley opens for one day, allowing all sword cultivators to seek their blades!"

The crowd surged forward eagerly.

"Hold!" The man stepped back, blocking the entrance like an immovable mountain.

The impatient crowd erupted in protests.

"What's the meaning of this?"

"You said we could enter!"

"Why block the way?"

...

The man smirked. "If every minnow tries to swim in, will there be room in Divine Craftsmen Valley? Entry depends on ability!"

He had a point. If everyone were allowed in, even the vast valley would be overwhelmed.

Someone demanded, "How do you judge who's worthy?"

The man didn't answer. Instead, he clapped twice. A metallic clanging echoed from within the valley, followed by the sound of a thousand swords flying out like rain, forming a dense sword array that sealed the entrance.

Facing the crowd's bewildered stares, the man declared, "Only those whose sword intent can repel these blades may enter!"

Silence fell.

The man sneered and stepped aside. "After you!"

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.

A figure in gray stepped forward. "I'll go first."

"Zhou Yi!" someone recognized him.

This was Zhou Yi of the "Four Disabled Swords," missing his right ear, his expression cold as he clutched a heavy sword.

Gu Pinglin watched intently as Zhou Yi strode forward, his sword intent erupting with the unique, brutal aura of the Heaven's Wound Sect. The swords at the entrance trembled, parting to let him pass. Zhou Yi entered without hesitation.

"Well done!" the man praised. "A word of warning—within the valley, you may only circulate your inner energy and release sword intent. Any fighting will trigger the mechanisms, and that's suicide!"

The mechanisms of Divine Craftsmen Valley were infamous—even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't dare trespass lightly. This rule against combat prevented the strong from preying on the weak, protecting younger talents.

With Zhou Yi leading the way, the crowd's doubts eased. One by one, they stepped forward to challenge the sword array. Few succeeded. From the Spirit Heart Sect, Bu Shuihan broke through easily, while Chen Qian and Chang Jinxin failed due to insufficient sword intent. Surprisingly, a low-level disciple made it in.

Most were anxious to rush ahead, but Gu Pinglin wasn't concerned. If precedence mattered in sword selection, the Heavenly Sword's autonomy would be meaningless.

After a moment's thought, Yue Songting turned and called softly, "Pinglin."

He used a sound transmission technique, so the others didn't notice. Gu Pinglin bowed his head slightly. "Yes, Master?"

Yue Songting said, "Qingming's comprehension of sword arts is unmatched. But he's overly competitive. Once inside, remember—he's your senior brother. Brothers should support each other."

Duan Qingming's sword talent truly was unparalleled. No wonder Yue Songting held such expectations. Gu Pinglin nodded. "Understood."

Yue Songting added, "A good sword isn't about fame. The one that suits you is the best."

Gu Pinglin glanced at Duan Qingming beside him. The Heavenly Sword chose masters based on innate talent—Duan Qingming had a better chance. Yue Songting feared Gu Pinglin might resent this and stray from the right path. His concern wasn't unfounded—in their past life, that was exactly what had happened.

Gu Pinglin replied, "This disciple understands."

Seeing no resentment, Yue Songting smiled approvingly. "Then you two may enter."

Both acknowledged and headed for the valley entrance.

Gu Pinglin's sword mastery was considerable. Releasing his sword intent, he easily repelled the array. Duan Qingming had no trouble either, following him inside.

The valley's volcanic nature made the air dry and warm. Paths wound like serpents toward the depths, flanked by reddish-brown rocks with sparse patches of moss and grass. The earlier entrants had already vanished ahead, leaving the valley eerily tranquil—a stark contrast to its reputation as a death trap of hidden mechanisms.

They followed the main path for about the time it took to drink tea before it forked into three.

Many cultivators hesitated at the crossroads, unsure which way to go. But Gu Pinglin and Duan Qingming strode unhesitatingly onto the right path.

Only those with sufficient sword intent could sense the sword spirits' call.

As they progressed, an intangible pressure grew in the air—the Heavenly Sword's test for aspirants. Both circulated their inner energy, releasing sword intent to resist as they pressed forward. The deeper they went, the stronger the sword spirit's pull—and the heavier the pressure.

With the Creation Art, Gu Pinglin was unfazed. Duan Qingming's expression remained calm, but his steps slowed noticeably.

Gu Pinglin, who had been monitoring him closely, frowned.

In their past life, Duan Qingming had already begun developing the Mending Heaven Art during this trial, striding ahead effortlessly. Now, though he lacked that advantage, his control over sword intent had improved. He shouldn't be struggling.

Despite his confidence, Gu Pinglin couldn't help stopping. "Are you alright?"

Duan Qingming countered, "Do you want the Heavenly Sword?"

Gu Pinglin said, "A peerless treasure like that—who wouldn't?"

"What about Gu Ying?"

Gu Pinglin froze, sensing the spiritual fluctuations from the sword in his storage bag. He had forgotten—with Gu Ying in his possession, he couldn't bond with another sword. But knowing the outcome, he wasn't worried. "Do you really think the Heavenly Sword would choose me?"

Duan Qingming asked, "If it did, what would you do?"

Before Gu Pinglin could answer, footsteps sounded behind them. He turned sharply.

It was Li Moqing, coughing into a handkerchief as he walked. Spotting them, he smiled politely and clasped his hands in greeting without a word.

Neither was surprised. Even with his flaws, the scion of the Silver Orchid Family possessed extraordinary sword intent.

In truth, Li Moqing was remarkable—his sword talent might have rivaled Duan Qingming's. Aside from his soft heart, his intellect was sharp. Under his leadership, the Silver Orchid Family had regained some standing. If not for what happened later...

Gu Pinglin's mood was complicated as he returned the greeting.

Li Moqing murmured, "After you," coughed twice, and passed them.

Duan Qingming watched him go. "Such strong sword intent. A pity the Silver Orchid Sword Art can't be revived in his hands."

Gu Pinglin said, "Your Gu Ying Sword Art is no less impressive."

"Oh?" Duan Qingming turned to him, amused. "I didn't realize you had such faith in me."

Gu Pinglin was sincere—in their past life, the Gu Ying Sword Art had become legendary, on par with the Silver Orchid techniques. But faced with that teasing smile, he didn't elaborate, merely huffing.

Duan Qingming sighed. "Every sword art under heaven has its strengths. The Silver Orchid Sword Art's fame is well-earned. To witness its true splendor would make this life worthwhile."

Gu Pinglin raised a brow. "Then give him the Stone Lotus Seed."

"Ah, you..." Duan Qingming chuckled and shook his head.

Gu Pinglin ignored him and walked ahead.