Chapter Five: Visitors from the Azure Mist Sword Sect Arrive, Commencing the Assessment

A hoarse, eerie laugh echoed through the air. Both Huo Qing and Mo You turned to see a gaunt old man in white robes approaching, his sunken eyes fixed ahead. Ignoring Mo You’s cold, piercing gaze, the elder strode directly to Huo Qing’s side, clicking his tongue in admiration.

“Earth Spirit slays Heaven Spirit—taking down two opponents at once. Truly unheard of…”

Upon hearing this, Huo Qing hurriedly raised his hand in a respectful bow.

“Many thanks, honored elder, for your timely rescue…”

Relieved, he thought to himself that if it hadn’t been for this man who called himself Zhao Yuanzheng intervening, he might not have survived without severe injury.

“Heh, there’s no need for such formality. I didn’t come merely to save you…” Zhao Yuanzheng’s eyes gleamed with meaning.

“Oh?”

Huo Qing was about to speak but saw Zhao Yuanzheng shake his head.

“Let me handle the current matters first, then I will inform you of what comes next.”

Stooping slightly, Zhao Yuanzheng said casually, “Mo You, let’s call today’s incident settled. I will vouch for this young man; your feud ends here.”

Mo You sneered coldly.

“Old Zhao, are you sure about this? This kid is only at the early Earth Spirit stage. If you let him participate in the selection, he probably won’t even get past the first round!”

Zhao Yuanzheng’s eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke quietly, “His potential is extraordinary. I see in him the shadow of Chu Lintian. Given time, once he joins the Canglan Sword Sect, he might truly be qualified to compete with the other Holy Sons.”

Yet Mo You burst into loud laughter at this, hearing nothing but a cosmic joke.

“Old Zhao, you’re getting more confused with age, pinning your hopes on such a greenhorn. Very well, I’ll watch and see what rank this so-called Holy Son you’ve chosen can achieve in the trial!”

“Let’s go!” Mo You knew Zhao Yuanzheng was here, and no matter what, he couldn’t kill Huo Qing now. With a cold snort, he whipped his sleeve and left with Yun Qian.

As they departed, Yun Qian’s voice, filled with killing intent, echoed behind them.

“Huo Qing, I hope you truly pass the trial and don’t die in that place. Otherwise, I’ll feel unsettled. I’ll be waiting for your head back at the Canglan Sword Sect…”

Only after Mo You had vanished from sight did Huo Qing’s gaze sharpen as he looked at Zhao Yuanzheng approaching.

Zhao Yuanzheng’s face was solemn as he said, “Young friend, are you interested in joining the Canglan Sword Sect?”

Huo Qing furrowed his brow briefly but replied without hesitation:

“Your sect’s legacy spans a millennium, with profound roots. It would be a great honor for a humble youth like me to be admitted.”

The Canglan Sword Sect held unrivaled power over Eastern Continent, its disciples dispersed far and wide, with countless resources for cultivation. It was the coveted destination for countless promising youths.

In his previous life, most of Huo Qing’s swordsmanship and spells were too advanced for his current level, making them more a hindrance than help. The Canglan Sword Sect could surely meet his present needs. Perhaps even the mysterious Primordial Divine Sword might reveal some clues here.

Seeing Huo Qing’s acceptance, Zhao Yuanzheng’s joy was palpable. He withdrew a silver token from his robe and handed it over.

“The trial begins tomorrow. You must traverse the Spirit Flame Forest, leave Tianshu Commandery, and enter the Black Devil Abyss. This place is notorious for its bloodshed and theft; proceed with utmost caution.

If you emerge safely after ten days, members of the sect will come to escort you.”

Zhao Yuanzheng spoke calmly.

The Black Devil Abyss was the resting place of a hundred thousand bones, its deadly reputation built on bloodshed. Huo Qing’s journey there would be fraught with near-certain death.

Yet for cultivators, forging ahead without fear was essential. Without such sharpness, even the greatest talent would be futile.

If Huo Qing hesitated even momentarily, the token would be withdrawn.

Huo Qing did not hesitate. He nodded slightly.

“Thank you, elder, for your guidance.”

Zhao Yuanzheng looked surprised but then smiled faintly. With a flash, he vanished from sight.

“Farewell, elder.”

Turning, Huo Qing went to the two family heads and removed their treasure pouches.

“Ten thousand low-grade spiritual crystals, three second-grade spirit techniques…”

He counted the spoils, noting some belonged to the Huo clan.

Suddenly, a chilling aura swept over him. Amid the surge of killing intent, a scroll shrouded in black mist soared into the air.

Huo Qing reached out and caught it, examining it carefully.

“Black Devil Divine Mirror.”

Four ominous characters glowed on the scroll’s surface.

“It’s a rare body refining spirit technique, though incomplete and ranked fourth-grade…”

Huo Qing’s pupils contracted sharply. Merely immersing his mind in it nearly poisoned him with that malevolent aura.

“A fine treasure.”

He curled his lips slightly, eyes burning with determination. Holding his breath, he forced himself to open the first chapter.

“Black Devil Finger.”

In his mind, a jet-black finger rose into the air, chilling cold waves surging like a tide.

On its tip appeared jagged, sinister markings, as if dark magic flowed like a river on its surface.

“Transform spirit into demon, embrace the primal unity, keep the mind undisturbed.”

Huo Qing murmured, enduring intense pain as he forcibly absorbed the demonic energy.

“Shh!”

Magic mingled with spiritual power, and Huo Qing howled in agony.

Suddenly, the corrupting demonic aura halted. The shadowy darkness in his eyes receded swiftly, and faintly, the clear sound of sword chimes rang in his ears.

“Whew…”

Breaking free from the torment of his spirit being stripped away, Huo Qing gasped heavily.

Fortunately, having absorbed the ancestral sword’s energy, his internal sword qi was robust; otherwise, escape would have been impossible.

“Black Devil Finger, successfully cultivated.”

Huo Qing’s brow twitched as the sinister aura condensed at his fingertip, a dense killing intent quietly erupting.

The next moment, Huo Qing slammed his finger down, leaping into the air, his fingertip wrapped in cold darkness, striking fiercely.

“Pshh!”

A stubborn rock half a meter wide was effortlessly pierced, the killing aura rapidly spreading. In moments, the rock shattered with a loud crack.

Huo Qing nodded in satisfaction—this power was no weaker than the two sword energies he had unleashed earlier.

“However, Black Devil Finger requires dark elemental spiritual power to execute. If depleted, it cannot be used.”

He pondered, suddenly realizing the Black Devil Abyss might possess such energy.

“Time to depart immediately.”

Huo Qing bowed to the Huo family’s ancestral gate and turned to leave.

...

Night fell over Tianshu Commandery’s city center, vibrant with lights and endless clamor, the atmosphere alive with revelry.

Huo Qing entered a restaurant, paid fifty spiritual crystals, and reserved a private room, intending to enjoy a good meal.

Facing the sumptuous dishes before him, he eagerly lifted his chopsticks and began to feast.

Bang!

Just as Huo Qing was savoring his meal, a loud crash sounded outside. Then, the private room’s door was violently kicked open.

Simultaneously, an untimely voice rang out.

“Who is the reckless fool daring to eat in my private room? Have you grown tired of living?!”