NOVPUBSilence descended upon the grand hall.
Everyone swallowed nervously, their gazes fixed on the beautiful woman who had slowly opened her eyes.
As the ice around her melted, a mist rose, tiny ice crystals making her already fair skin appear even more radiant.
The Sword Palace Master!
This woman’s life was a legend. From the daughter of a small martial arts school’s headmaster, she had risen to prominence with an ordinary sword, ultimately resonating with the Great Dao, comprehending the true essence of swordsmanship, and establishing the magnificent Sword Palace.
Their hearts pounded uncontrollably as they witnessed the rebirth of an Empress.
Rumors had circulated about the Sword Palace Master’s mysterious disappearance. No one knew why she had vanished, but the Sword Palace had gradually declined since then.
Over time, the Sword Palace faded into history. People only remembered the Sword Palace Master’s unparalleled grace and the palace’s former glory, but they had never seen it for themselves.
Yet, now, they were witnessing the return of the master… And it seemed she might still be alive?!
If that was the case, she must have sealed herself within the Sword Palace.
But a Sword Emperor from ancient times, capable of living for countless lifetimes, why would she choose to seal herself?
This question lingered in everyone’s minds. Even Mu Zhi’an was shocked.
With the Jade Empress’s example, he had considered the possibility of the Sword Palace Master still being alive.
It was difficult for a Dao Integration cultivator to truly perish. Unless their last wisp of consciousness vanished, they wouldn’t completely disappear from the world.
It seemed she had frozen herself within a formation before their arrival…
But why had the ice sculpture melted as soon as they arrived?
Was it a coincidence?
Or was the Sword Palace Master searching for a successor and had awakened from her seal?
Everyone froze, afraid to move, their gazes fixed on the beautiful woman at the end of the hall. They feared that even the slightest movement might attract her attention and lead to unforeseen consequences.
As they watched nervously, the ice around the woman completely melted.
She wore a long dress with intricate patterns, her ample bosom pushing against the fabric, revealing a hint of her fair skin.
Even in the dim light of the hall, her radiant skin was visible. Her feet were adorned with delicate Cloud-Stepping Shoes.
Suddenly, a young man stepped forward and cupped his fists. “Young Master Yu Zimo of the Hidden Sword Sect greets Senior!”
His voice echoed through the hall, drawing the Sword Palace Master’s attention.
Her gaze was cold and calm. After a brief moment of observation, she said softly, “You have good talent.”
Her voice was rich and melodious, like the sound of jade chimes, soothing the heart.
Yu Zimo’s eyes lit up, and he bowed. “Thank you, Senior. I had no intention of intruding upon the Sword Palace, but it suddenly emerged, so…”
He silently congratulated himself for his quick thinking. Speaking up at this moment had caught the Sword Palace Master’s attention.
The others frowned, cursing Yu Zimo for his cunning and regretting their own hesitation.
Ye Yu also frowned, about to speak.
Suddenly, he seemed to hear a voice in his mind. He paused, then remained silent.
Mu Zhi’an remained quiet, observing the situation.
The old man within Ye Yu was mysterious. If speaking up could earn the Sword Palace Master’s favor and grant him the inheritance, the old man would have already advised Ye Yu to do so.
But Ye Yu hadn’t made a move. Did this mean things weren’t as simple as they seemed?
It was best to wait and see.
He desired the Sword Palace’s treasures, but he wasn’t willing to take unnecessary risks.
His main priority was Bai Ruoxi. As long as she was safe, he didn’t care about the rest.
As Mu Zhi’an thought about this, the Sword Palace Master spoke again, “Have you all come for the Sword Palace’s inheritance?”
Inspired by Yu Zimo’s initiative, someone else couldn’t resist speaking up. “Legend has it that the Sword Palace Master was unparalleled. I came here to witness the magnificent Sword Palace you created, Senior. If I could inherit your legacy and carry on the Sword Palace’s teachings, it would be my greatest honor.”
He had said so much, but his true intention was to obtain the Sword Palace’s cultivation techniques.
The Sword Palace Master stood silently and pointed towards a platform beside her.
Only now did they notice an ancient bronze sword on the platform, bound by four chains that extended from the four corners of the hall. It was a breathtaking sight.
“What you seek is right there. Whether you can obtain it depends on your fate,” the Sword Palace Master said, her voice cold and clear.
“The Bronze Ancient Sword!”
Everyone’s eyes lit up as they looked at the sword bound by chains on the platform.
This was the Dao Integration ancestral artifact left behind by the Sword Palace Master. If they could obtain it, winning the Ascension Ceremony would be a piece of cake!
Yu Zimo’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Can I try now, Senior?”
“There will be consequences for failure,” the Sword Palace Master replied, her expression unchanging.
However, Yu Zimo was completely captivated by the Bronze Ancient Sword. He didn’t hesitate and leaped onto the platform, reaching for the sword’s hilt.
Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered, and she glanced at Mu Zhi’an, wanting to say something.
This Bronze Ancient Sword was likely the third bronze fragment Bai Ruoxi needed, transformed into a sword. If someone else took it…
But seeing Mu Zhi’an’s calm gaze, she held back her words.
A rumbling sound suddenly came from the platform, drawing everyone’s attention.
Yu Zimo’s Vessel was operating at full speed, his Spiritual Energy surging as he gripped the sword’s hilt, trying to break free from the chains with all his might.
However, his efforts were futile.
He refused to give up, gritting his teeth as he clung to the hilt, struggling against an unseen force, growling like a beast.
But the Bronze Ancient Sword remained motionless.
Yu Zimo stumbled and fell from the platform.
Thud!
As he crashed to the ground, the Sword Palace Master’s voice rang out, devoid of emotion, “Anyone else want to try?”
“Wait… I haven’t given up!”
Yu Zimo looked up at the Sword Palace Master, his expression defiant despite his disheveled appearance.
“You have no karmic connection with the sword. You cannot draw it,” the Sword Palace Master replied coldly.
Yu Zimo stared at the beautiful woman, his eyes flickering. “You’re not the real Sword Palace Master, are you?”
His words shocked everyone present.
Had Yu Zimo gone mad from failing to draw the sword? How dare he question the Sword Palace Master?
“You’re just a remnant soul, and not even the Sword Palace Master’s!” Yu Zimo declared.
He possessed a special constitution. As soon as he approached the Sword Palace Master, he had realized she wasn’t the real one!
A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, and he threw a thin needle from his sleeve towards her.
Is this guy crazy…? Mu Zhi’an’s eyelids twitched, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.
The Sword Palace Master’s aura was indeed unstable, but even he, with his Innate Spiritual Body, couldn’t be sure if she was an imposter. How did Yu Zimo figure it out?
And… even if she wasn’t the real Sword Palace Master, attacking her so recklessly was too rash.
As Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced, the Sword Palace Master gracefully dodged the needle.
Then, under everyone’s gazes, a faint white light emanated from her ample bosom.
From within the light, an ancient bronze sword materialized.
This bronze sword was identical to the one bound by chains on the platform!
“Two Bronze Ancient Swords?” Mu Zhi’an exclaimed in surprise.
How is that possible…?
As he wondered, the Sword Palace Master swung the sword in her hand.
One moment she was standing before Yu Zimo, the next, she was behind everyone.
Then, the Bronze Ancient Sword in her hand dissolved into specks of light.
Boom!
A deafening explosion erupted in front of Yu Zimo, even though no one saw her swing the sword.
Then, Yu Zimo vanished from sight.
Mu Zhi’an felt a chill run down his spine.
This woman was definitely not normal!
The remaining cultivators instinctively took a step back, wanting to retreat.
The Sword Palace Master turned to face them, her expression emotionless. “Who’s next?”
Silence met her question.
Witnessing Yu Zimo’s fate, they had become much more cautious.
No one dared to volunteer this time. 𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝙤𝒎
The Sword Palace Master scanned the crowd and said slowly, “No response. Consider it a forfeit. You will be punished by the heavens.”
Her eyes were cold and lifeless, like a machine devoid of emotions.
“You first,” she said, her gaze falling upon the cultivator who had spoken second earlier.
The cultivator instinctively took a step back, as if sensing danger.
Then, he suddenly pointed at Mu Zhi’an. “The strongest person among us is standing beside him. If we’re going to be tested, shouldn’t the strongest go first?!”
Everyone’s gazes turned towards Mu Zhi’an.
Or rather, towards the maid in the yellow dress beside him.
The Sword Palace Master also looked at Wei Mengrou. After a brief moment of observation, an ancient bronze sword slowly materialized from her bosom.
Boom!
The cultivator who had spoken didn’t even have time to dodge. A scream echoed through the hall, then he vanished.
The Sword Palace Master didn’t even glance at the next cultivator. Her gaze was fixed on Wei Mengrou.
“Your turn.”
This time, no one felt any schadenfreude. They all frowned, their minds racing.
There was definitely something wrong with this ‘Sword Palace Master’. Those who failed her test would be punished… And they didn’t know if the punishment was expulsion from the Sword Palace or death… In this situation, these prodigies were starting to have second thoughts.
“Or are you also forfeiting the trial?” the Sword Palace Master asked again.
Before Wei Mengrou could answer, Mu Zhi’an looked at the Bronze Ancient Sword in the air and asked, “Senior, before we take the trial, may we know why you awakened from your seal?”
The woman glanced at him indifferently. “Someone among you has a karmic connection with this Bronze Ancient Sword and can draw it from its bindings.”
Her voice was flat, as if stating a fact. However, after witnessing what had just transpired, they didn’t believe her.
But Mu Zhi’an’s eyes held a thoughtful glint.
If she wasn’t lying, then the one who could draw the sword must be someone with a connection to the bronze fragments.
Apart from Bai Ruoxi, who was likely receiving her inheritance, the only ones present with a connection to the bronze fragments were him and Ye Yu.
Technically, Mu Zhi’an was the only one present with a connection to the Bronze Ancient Sword.
“I’ll give it a try,” Mu Zhi’an said.
It was safer for him to take the risk than for Wei Mengrou.
After all, even if he failed, he still had Lin Ling’s ‘Word as Law’ spell protecting him. This remnant soul of the Sword Palace Master couldn’t instantly kill him with a single attack.
The Sword Palace Master didn’t stop him. She stepped aside, giving him space to approach the platform.
The other cultivators looked at Mu Zhi’an with complicated expressions.
They didn’t want him to draw the sword, but they also hoped he could, as it would mean the trial was over.
But if he truly succeeded, wouldn’t the Bronze Ancient Sword become his?
With mixed feelings, they watched as he flew towards the platform.
Wei Mengrou’s fist tightened within her sleeve, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an. If he failed, she would intervene immediately, sending him out of the hall at any cost.
Ye Yu also watched the scene unfold, sneering inwardly.
Idiot.
His teacher had already told him that the woman in the hall wasn’t the real Sword Palace Master, but another version of herself that she had severed in the past. If Mu Zhi’an managed to draw the sword, it would be fine. But if he failed… he would be dead.
Sensing Wei Mengrou’s worried gaze, Mu Zhi’an turned and smiled reassuringly at her.
Then, his gaze fell upon the Bronze Ancient Sword bound by chains.
After a moment of observation, his expression turned serious.
The chains were actually a formation.
The formation extended from the four corners of the hall, binding the Bronze Ancient Sword. Unless the seals on all four sides were released simultaneously, the sword couldn’t be drawn.
It was no wonder Yu Zimo had failed.
However…
Mu Zhi’an felt that he could draw it.
Ever since he approached the platform, he had felt the Bronze Ancient Sword calling out to him.
It must be the Artifact Spirit within the sword.
As for the reason… Perhaps it was because Mu Zhi’an had been diligently ‘nourishing’ Bai Ruoxi, and the Artifact Spirit had developed a fondness for him.
Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
Then, he reached out and gripped the sword’s hilt.
Clank…
The previously silent Bronze Ancient Sword suddenly reacted. Its blade vibrated slightly, causing the chains in the four corners of the hall to rattle.
The Sword Palace Master’s eyes flickered with surprise as she looked at the young man on the platform.
All eyes were fixed on Mu Zhi’an, their emotions a mix of hope and despair.
Amidst their conflicting desires, Mu Zhi’an’s Vessel silently activated, his Spiritual Energy surging.
He gripped the hilt tightly, as if trying to free the Bronze Ancient Sword from its bindings, like drawing a sword from a rusty scabbard.
Finally, the motionless hilt moved slightly, accompanied by a grating sound, like nails scraping against glass.
“He moved the sword!” a cultivator exclaimed in disbelief.
Another ear-piercing sound rang out as the Bronze Ancient Sword slid further out of the chains, revealing a hint of its sharpness.
The Sword Palace Master’s eyes gleamed as she observed the scene intently.
Mu Zhi’an took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He closed his eyes and focused his Spiritual Energy, his entire world narrowing down to this ancient bronze sword.
There was no doubt that this sword was the third bronze fragment, which was why it was reacting to him.
He could draw it.
He just needed to be fully prepared and act decisively… Completely freeing it wasn’t impossible.
After a brief moment of preparation, Mu Zhi’an tightened his grip on the hilt, took a deep breath, and unleashed his Spiritual Energy.
Clang!
Most of the Bronze Ancient Sword’s blade emerged, gleaming brightly.
Boom!
The entire hall shook violently. Mu Zhi’an didn’t hesitate and, with a final burst of effort, completely freed the Bronze Ancient Sword from its bindings!
Its sharp blade severed the chains in all four directions.
Then, it transformed into a fragmented piece and flew towards a certain Celestial Realm, embedding itself within Bai Ruoxi’s chest, who was currently receiving the Sword Palace’s inheritance.
The three bronze fragments merged, forming the complete image of the Bronze Ancient Sword. A faint white light emanated from Bai Ruoxi’s chest.
From within the light, a Bronze Ancient Sword silently materialized from her ample bosom.
Then, Bai Ruoxi… or rather, the true Sword Palace Master, slowly opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.
“You’ve finally arrived.”
Her voice held a hint of relief.
