Uncle Lu De and Yang Yin exclaimed in unison, "Impressive!"

The Jade Void Elder had no leisure to glare at them; his gaze traveled from the distant heights of the sky down to his slightly plump face, somber as still water.

"It's the Primordial Formless Sword!" He had already caught the trajectory of the incoming sword, albeit a moment too late for his liking.

Su Ji Ren, a female observer, couldn't comprehend, "The Primordial Formless Sword possesses such formidable might?"

As one of Yu Ci's "greatest gains" in the Sword Garden, the origins of the Primordial Formless Sword were well-known, especially to the stewards like Uncle Lu De, who had even taken it upon himself to study it further.

This unique sword, though forged from the primordial qi and imbued with an innate murderous aura, was top-tier in this realm. Yet, precisely because of its special sword embryo structure, it was exceedingly difficult to wield. Not only did it consume a great deal of energy, but its lethality also left something to be desired.

However, at this moment, a sword flew forth, treating the layered seals of the Sky-Supporting Mountain Pillar as if they were nothing, moving in and out without hindrance. Moreover, right before everyone's eyes, it cleaved off the horn of a Fish-Dragon—an injury far beyond mere skin-deep cuts. The saying "Piercing Scales and Ascending Horns" speaks to the preciousness of the Fish-Dragon Blood Marrow; strong marrow produces a horn, and a broken horn indicates marrow damage. Such a wound clearly touched upon the creature's very essence.

"It is said that in the hands of Hao Dian, a female swordsman of the highest caliber, it was likewise."

The Jade Void Elder had not personally witnessed the prowess of that peerless female sword immortal, but he had heard tales, and he vaguely remembered that about two years ago, when Yu Ci first entered the Sect's Mountain Gate, he had presented a volume of the God Slaying Sting, a Heretical Daoist Practice, to the Spirit Sky Pavilion. This matched well with the ancient legends.

"To control the Primordial Formless Sword with the God Slaying Sting is indeed the perfect match... but to think that wretch would use it against his own elder!"

The Jade Void Elder was truly incensed. Initially, he had dismissed it as mere child's play, but with the manifestation of the Primordial Formless Sword, this was no ordinary child—it was a Little Demon wielding a knife with intent to stab.

Regardless, the weapon must be seized first. The Jade Void Elder felt confident, with a seventy percent chance of success, but before he could act, outside the Star Plucking Tower, the clouds tore apart, and the rift extended, forming a string of characters as large as fighting cups:

"You promised me an explanation!"

Everyone knew who penned these characters and to whom they were addressed. And precisely because of this, from the Jade Void Elder down, all were rendered speechless outside the tower.

It was common knowledge that the Primordial Formless Sword was not suited for prolonged use. This string of characters was a stroke that pierced through everything. Yu Ci was not skilled in calligraphy, and his Sword Control was admittedly hasty, making the characters somewhat sloppy. However, the brushstrokes were sharp, the edges tinged with a shallow blood hue catalyzed by bloodstains, exuding an aggressive and compelling force.

Through these characters, one could almost see a young man on the brink of agitation, seemingly capable of committing any act at any moment. And it reminded them that this "reckless" young man still had a Thunder-Slaying Tribulation-Dispelling Ukase hovering over their heads... Who knew if he had a second one?

People's gazes inevitably turned upwards to the Star Plucking Tower. Behind the railings, He Qing was wiping the bloodstains from her cheeks, her face void of any expression. Witnessing this scene, the Jade Void Elder knew something had to be done. With a flick of his robe sleeve, he confirmed that the Sect Mountain Guardian Array was now of no use and immediately gave the order:

"Contract the Mountain Defense Stance, activate the Thousand-Mile Bright Light Mirror, search for traces. You, personally lead the team and bring that miscreant here. Place him in the 'Reflective Detention Cell' first. Let him face the wall for a decade or two before we discuss further actions!"

Uncle Lu De's eyebrows twitched, just as he was about to speak, Yang Yin grabbed his sleeve, saying, "If you speak out, it might turn into the 'Infinite Prison.'"

Although the Reflective Detention Cell was a prison, it was meant for Sect Disciples who had committed serious offenses. The Infinite Prison, on the other hand, was reserved for those seen as sworn enemies, leaving no room for redemption. Clearly, the Jade Void Elder was still exercising restraint, not intending to utterly destroy Yu Ci.

Uncle Lu De paused, not yet responding, when a second string of characters emerged amidst the clouds:

"All is settled, the grand scheme undisturbed, why hesitate to converse?"

As these characters spread out, the Primordial Formless Sword merged into the mists, vanishing without a trace. The Jade Void Elder had some premonition, but he was also pondering the meaning behind Yu Ci's message, and thus missed the opportunity to retrieve the sword. The handwriting became more hasty, and the language oddly turned more elegant, overturning the previous impressions of the people.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

More importantly, people suddenly realized that the thunder and lightning amidst the clouds had ceased. Correspondingly, it seemed that the Outer Realm Sky Demon had also quieted down. The area around the Star Plucking Tower became eerily silent for a moment.

The key figures exchanged glances, then looked up at the lightning-retracted Token in the sky, their feelings subtly shifting.

"Tsk, that 'hesitate' is used quite exquisitely!"

Needless to say, it was Yang Yin who spoke without restraint. This time, the Jade Void Elder couldn't be bothered to address him, only frowning, "That miscreant..."

His thought was interrupted as he turned around to see Su Ji Ren not moving, and he said with slight irritation, "Why haven't you gone yet?"

Su Ji Ren's brows were slightly furrowed, as if she had something to say, but her nature made her accustomed to following orders. In the end, she still leaped into the air. However, before she could fly beyond the perimeter of the Sky-Supporting Mountain Pillar, He Qing on the Star Plucking Tower suddenly smiled, her figure soaring up with incredible speed, preempting Su Ji Ren.

As their auras intersected, others might not understand, but Su Ji Ren was pushed back by the piercing cold, while He Qing took advantage of the momentum to accelerate and disappeared into the depths of the Cloud Sea, even the Jade Void Elder couldn't intercept her in time.

At that moment, the Jade Void Elder had the impulse to erupt in anger, but as the pressing sensation of the Heavenly Tribulation subsided, he found it increasingly difficult to muster any rage. When the Thunder-Slaying Tribulation-Dispelling Ukase finally descended, the lightning retracted completely. With a mere gesture from the Jade Void Elder, the once ominous object landed in his hand; although it contained earth-shattering power, it posed no danger at present. On the contrary, it revealed its unparalleled worth.

Indeed, it was a night of great momentum!

The Jade Void Elder stood momentarily dazed, but soon regained his composure. He glanced in the direction where He Qing had departed and then said to Su Ji Ren, "There's no need to fetch anyone for now, but continue with the other tasks. Use the Bright Light Mirror to locate that young man as soon as possible…"

"As for what He Qing is doing, do not concern yourselves with it."

The light, indifferent voice flowed effortlessly, lacking deliberate force yet each word carried significant weight. Hearing this, the Jade Void Elder was startled and then overjoyed, "Senior Uncle Fang, are you unharmed?"

There was no immediate response from above, but the Jade Void Elder felt an indescribable sense of relief permeating his entire being, rendering all other matters insignificant. With Grandmaster Fang present, the Sect could at least maintain its prosperity for one more calamitous cycle. In this period, relying on the now fully restored Thunderbolt Tribulation Method, the Sect's strength was bound to leap forward significantly, and the return to its peak glory seemed just within reach.

After a pause, Fang spoke again, addressing another matter, another person, "It's rare to have a friend visit. Senior Brother Zhu, I trust you've been well."

"I'm not dead yet. But you, Junior Brother Fang, have endured two tribulations and emerged successful. Truly a joyous and commendable feat."

With these ethereal words, Old Master Zhu, in his azure robe and plain scarf, arrived on a crane.

*************

"She's here."

Yu Ci reattached the Primordial Formless Sword to his right wrist, took a deep breath, and suddenly smiled, though his complexion was somewhat pale.

"The real fight hasn't even started and you already look like this. Tsk, those two sword moves were really self-inflicted hardship," Xing Tian remarked.

The two sword moves Xing Tian referred to were the ones used to inscribe characters in the Clouds Sea. In terms of skill, they were much more difficult than simply slashing at Shan Gu, especially controlling the Primordial Formless Sword, which was incredibly taxing. Nevertheless, Yu Ci deemed it worthwhile.

"At least she came alone... Oh, Brother Tie, thank you."

At that moment, a wisp of smoke rose from the ground, taking on a human form—it was Tie Lan. Originally just an ordinary Sword Ghost in the Sword Garden, he had, by chance, absorbed an Iron Soul Resurrection Pearl, gaining sentience. He was then taken under the wing of Shadow Ghost, also known as the master of the Sunken Sword Cave.

Even with innate limitations, after a thousand years of cultivation, he possessed strength comparable to a Vacuum Walking Cultivator. He had once withstood the Tribulation Thunder with his ghostly body and survived, a testament to his solid foundation. Of course, it was also during that time that he was gravely injured and captured by Wen Shifei, sealed within a bottle. After Wen Shifei's death, his possessions were transferred to Yu Ci by Xing Tian, though neither party understood the intricacies until Shadow Ghost initiated contact. Only then did they realize the battle potential at their side, and eventually, they freed him.

Yu Ci held a favorable impression of Tie Lan, particularly since the time Tie Lan had endured a strike from the Tribulation Thunder within the Sword Immortal's Secret domain, an act that was essentially taking disaster upon himself for Yu Ci's sake. This act of kindness was something Yu Ci was certain to remember. Tie Lan, on the other hand, was rather indifferent towards Yu Ci. He mainly obeyed the commands of Shadow Ghost, and although now he possessed the strength to grind Shadow Ghost — who could seal a demonic creature's skull with a mere flick of his finger — into dust, habits ingrained over a thousand years were not easily changed.

Addressing the matter at hand, Tie Lan said pragmatically, "With the Mountain Defense Stance activated, slipping by unnoticed is no longer possible. What should be our next move?"

Yu Ci was confident in his response: "It's time to depart, and I ask for your support, Brother Tie."

Without a word, Tie Lan transformed into a wisp of smoke, enveloping Yu Ci and seeping deep into the mountain. They descended until the space around them opened up, revealing a realm bathed in a serene blue light that surged like waves — the Sea of Spirit. During his initial days at the Sect, Yu Ci, along with Zhang Yan and the Tu Brothers, had passed through this Sea of Spirit to reach the outer perimeter of the Sect's Mountain Gate. Though he could not claim to know the area like the back of his hand, he now had a relatively clear understanding of it.

Yu Ci had chosen this location for two reasons: he was relatively familiar with the structure of the place, and here the nimbus Qi was abundant, which hindered the sensitivity of the mountain's protective enchantments, making it a comparatively tranquil spot.

Not long after their arrival in the Sea of Spirit, a familiar figure approached swiftly through the luminous expanse.

"Immortal He Qing, is all well?" Yu Ci greeted her with impeccable manners, bowing respectfully.

He Qing, however, dispensed with formalities. Stepping up to Yu Ci, she spoke calmly, cutting straight to the heart of the matter: "I want an explanation. Anything I don't know, I need to know. But for the moment..."

Yu Ci suddenly smiled, sat down cross-legged, and in the blink of an eye, a clear light emanated from the top of his head, revealing his Yin Spirit leaving the body. His Yin Spirit, barely distinguishable from a Taoism Immortal, assumed a posture identical to that of his flesh body and fixed He Qing with a stare:

"I need to understand why such a confounded mess has chosen me."