The morning sun peeked over the treetops as the team gathered at the edge of the training ground, their faces filled with quiet determination. After days of relentless practice and reflection, they were ready.
With Ye Mingzhi taking the lead, the group stepped into the sword formation once more.
This time, there was no hesitation—each member moved with purpose, their coordination seamless.
Qi Jue whistled softly from the sidelines. "Not bad, Baka master."
Fifteen minutes passed. The trial was complete.
The three spirits—Jing Quan, Qi Jue, and Fei Yue—watched in silence before exchanging approving glances.
"Well done," said Fei Yue, giving a graceful nod.
"But don't get too comfortable," Jing Quan added, arms crossed. "This is just the beginning."
Qi Jue smirked and hopped onto Ye Mingzhi's shoulder.
"Next level's coming up. Let's see if you can still stand after that."
Jing Quan stood at the center of the field, his expression unusually serious.
"Next phase—" he declared, "—is about more than endurance. This time, you'll have to break the formation."
His voice echoed like a war drum.
The team members glanced at each other, tension tightening their spines. This was no longer a mere training simulation—it was a trial that danced on the edge of death.
Qi Jue grinned. "Now you'll know how scary our baby brother's sword formations really are~"
Fei Yue folded her arms. "Focus. One misstep, and you'll pay the price—even if it's a trial."
The air grew heavy. No one dared take this lightly.
In the opulent halls of the Heavenly Dao's palace, a soft voice echoed.
"Master Dao Jue, thank you again… You said I'll reunite with my brother soon?"
The young girl's eyes shimmered with innocent hope.
Her name was Ren Xue.
Dao Jue offered her a serene smile, like spring wind brushing through frost.
"Yes, child," he said gently. "Your freedom—and your reunion—are close. Just a few more days."
Ren Xue's eyes lit up. "I'll wait. Thank you, Master!"
Dao Jue handed her a small sealed scroll. "In the meantime, a simple task—go to the mortal world, to the land of Emperor Chu. Seek out these two people. Their descriptions are inside. Deliver the report to me directly. Can you do that?"
Ren Xue clutched the scroll to her chest and bowed. "I won't fail you."
She turned and left, her footsteps light, hopeful.
The moment she disappeared beyond the corridor, Dao Jue's smile vanished like mist.
He chuckled under his breath, low and cold.
"…Reunion? Freedom?"
His voice dripped with mockery.
"Your brother died because of me. What will you do when you find out, sweet little Ren Xue?"
He turned his gaze to the horizon—where Ye Mingzhi and Chu Xiyue trained far below.
"…And you two... Let's see how far you can go before I crush you both."