The trip to the Heavenly Sword Sect only took a single day. During that time, Wu Meiying and Zhe Fēnglì had shown him and Youmei around the ship. Tianjian Genyun was much different than the ships used by the Shang Kingdom--more luxurious and just better all around. It wasn’t just the outside. The interior was a traditional blend of traditional martial decore and modern comforts. Luxurious cabins decorated with silk tapestries and ornate sword displays offered an opulent experience for passengers. Wu Jian’s bedroom was spacious and even had its own meditation chamber. Apparently, all rooms aboard this vessel had similar accommodations.
Wu Jian was standing on the deck as the late evening sun began dipping beyond the mountains, creating a view that stole his breath. A myriad of colors spread across the sky, mixing together--gorgeous golds, passionate reds, and vibrant pinks created streaks through the sky. It would not be long before the stars started coming out.
“It’s beautiful, huh?” asked Wu Meiying.
“Very,” Wu Jian agreed.
“We’re coming up on Heavenly Sword Mountain,” Zhe Fēnglì said.
“Master! Master! That mountain is so big!” Youmei tugged on his pant leg and pointed at the mountain.
“You’re right. I saw it in the distance, but it’s way bigger than I thought.”
Heavenly Sword Mountain was a colossal peak nestled within the expansive mountain range. It acted as a natural border between the Xia Dynasty and Shang Kingdom. Its appearance was both awe-inspiring and majestic, perfectly befitting its role as the gateway to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s realm.
The mountain rose dramatically from the earth, piercing the sky with its formidable height. Its peak was often obscured by the clouds, adding an aura of mystery and grandeur. Wu JIan had never seen such a massive mountain before either. It was incredibly vast, with a towering, rugged silhouette that dwarfed the surrounding peaks. It was as if an enormous blade had been thrust into the earth, giving it a sword-like appearance.
“The mountain itself isn’t where the Heavenly Sword Sect is located, of course, but we needed a symbol that inspired majesty among those who saw it,” Zhe Fēnglì said.
Wu Jian nodded. Heavenly Sword Mountain was more than just a geographical marvel; it served as the physical representation of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s power and presence within the martial world. This mountain, which could be viewed from all corners of the Xaio Continent, was as physically imposing as the Heavenly Sword Sect itself. Its tower presence acted as a reminder of the sect’s power to all who saw it.
“We’ll be coming up on the mountain soon. There will be some turbulence so get ready,” Zhe Dāozhe announced from where he manned the wheel. The sect master seemed to enjoy driving this vessel. Several people had tried to take his place, but he had denied every single one of them.
Wu Jian grabbed hold of the railing at Wu Meiying’s suggestion and held tight as the vessel entered a cloud. The vessel rocked back and forth a little before a shield of shimmering light surrounded it. This light, glowing a brilliant white, cut through the turbulence like a sword, and they soon emerged from the other side, where Wu Jian got a close-up glimpse of the majestic Heavenly Sword Mountain--along with the portal they would be going through.
The portal looked like a massive gate floating in the sky. He wondered how it remained stationary like that. How could it float? Such feats required a constant use of chi, so he expected it to run out of chi at some point, but it looked like this had been there since forever.
“It’s a sealing array,” Wu Meiying answered like she could read his mind.
“I see.” Wu Jian immediately understood. “The sealing array gathers chi from the surroundings to power the gate, and that’s also how it can remain in the air.”
“That’s right,” Wu Meiying sounded pleased.
“You’re quite sharp,” said Zhe Fēnglì.
“You’re too kind,” Wu Jian responded humbly.
Their vessel got closer, and they soon traveled through the gate. Wu Jian felt space distort around them and realized this gate was warping the area, taking them to somewhere far away but connected through the gate. The transportation from one location to another was instantaneous.
Wu Jian was stunned.
Towering mountains as far as the eye could see, even larger than the Heavenly Sword Mountain they had just traveled to. Resting upon the peaks were pagodas of varying size and majesty. The largest among them rested atop the biggest mountain. He assumed that was where the sect master lived. Down below, nestled between the mountains, was a city with a layout that made it look like a sword when observed from above like this.
Wu Meiying took one look at him, grinned, and spread out her arms. “Welcome to the Heavenly Sword Sect.”
The Tianjian Genyun flew toward a dock located on one of the mountains. It was a massive space that had been carved into the mountain itself. As the vessel slid into the carved out entrance, Wu Jian looked at the dock as several people in luxurious robes stood nearby. They all seemed to be important figures who were awaiting their sect master’s return.
“Those are the elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect,” Wu Meiying informed him.
Wu Jian nodded. “I figured.”
“They’re all very powerful,” added Zhe Fēnglì.
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“Master, Youmei is hungry,” Youmei wasn’t even paying attention.
“We’ll get something to eat once we’ve settled in,” Wu Jian assured her with a pat on the head.
The vessel soon docked, workers tying it in place to keep the floating ship from moving. A boarding ramp lowered to connect the deck to the dock, and Zhe Dāozhe strode down with everyone else behind him. Everyone who had been waiting offered a respectful martial bow when their sect master appeared.
“Welcome back, Sect Master.”
The person who had spoken cut a distinctive figure among those present. His most prominent feature was his completely bald head, which gleamed with a polished sheen. Wu Jian wondered if he waxed it. It was as smooth as a cueball, reflecting the wisdom and serenity of his years of cultivation. The absence of hair seemed deliberate, as if to emphasize his detachment from worldly concerns.
As he stood to his full height, Wu Jian caught sight of striking facial features. His eyes were squinty like a sly fox, holding an uncanny ability to discern hidden truths. They were sharp and intelligent, revealing a lifetime of martial insight. His eyebrows were long as they gracefully drooped like the leaves of a willow tree. Wu Jian had the amusing thought that his eyebrows were so long to make up for his lack of facial hair. He also had a long and flowing beard that was well-kempt and extended several chih below his chin.
“It is good to be back. Jiànkè He, how fared our sect while I was gone?” asked Zhe Dāozhe.
“Well,” the old man said. That was when he noticed Wu Jian and Youmei standing next to Wu Meiying. “Is this… a new disciple?”
“Indeed! This man is the winner of the tournament. He is extremely skilled at both cultivation and the greatsword, and he wields powers of the Dao of Space,” Zhe Dāozhe said with a great smile.
His words elicited murmurs from the elders behind the old man. Wu Jian picked up most of them with his sharp hearing.
“So he won the tournament?!”
“There has not been a victory outside of the Phoenix Clan in many years.”
“The sect master said he can wield the Dao of Space. I cannot fathom how someone so young can wield such an esoteric art.”
“And he’s at the Deva Realm… yet he looks even younger than Zhe Fēnglì.”
The old man did not take part in the conversations behind him as he smiled at Wu Jian and offered a conciliatory martial bow. “Welcome to the Heavenly Sword Sect, young one. I am Jiànkè He. I’m the head elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect.”
Wu Jian’s martial bow was much more pronounced, showing respect for someone much older and more powerful. “You honor me with your words. My name is Jian Wu.”
Jiànkè He stroked his beard. “And you wield a greatsword? That is quite rare. Most people do not bother to pick that as their weapon due to its difficulty. I am also a wielder of the greatsword. It will be nice to have another person who can wield such an unwieldy weapon.”
“Jiànkè He would make a great teacher for you,” Wu Meiying added.
Her words caused those behind Jiànkè He to begin talking again, but this time, Wu Jian paid far more attention to the old man. He was staring at Wu Meiying hard. His eyes had opened a crack, revealing a brilliant cerulean color.
“Ho… so you believe I should take this young one on as a disciple? Even though he has not proven himself?”
“Of course not.” Wu Meiying’s eyes crinkled as she smiled behind her veil. “I am not saying you should. I am saying you will once you see how talented he is.”
“It is quite rare for our Lady Oracle to give anyone such high praise.”
“Let us just say that he left an impression on me.”
While Wu Jian was happy with Wu Meiying’s words, he did not fail to notice how Zhe Fēnglì’s face contorted in displeasure.
“It seems you’ve picked up an interesting toy… Lady Oracle,” came a sarcastic voice.
The crowd parted to reveal a lady. She possessed a striking and timeless beauty, with long, raven-black hair that flowed freely down her back like a long, shimmering curtain of silk. Her vivid green eyes, akin to the most precious emeralds, captured the enchanting essence of her presence. Her skin was as smooth and flawless as the finest jade. It gave her an ethereal and statuesque quality. Framing her visage were long bangs that gently draped across her forehead, emphasizing the elegant contours of her face. Her almond-shaped eyes contained a seductive sensuality. They were like pools of sin.
It wasn’t just her face that embodied allure. Her hanfu, symbolic of her elevated position within the sect, gently draped over her figure, which boasted a combination of grave and voluptuousness. Her curves were a testament to her inner vitality and the harmonious balance between strength and femininity.
“Mei Qi, I see you have recovered,” Zhe Dāozhe said just as Wu Meiying stepped forward as though to confront her.
“Indeed, Sect Master.” Mei Qi offered a martial bow. “Thank you for your patience. It took more time than I would have liked, but I am back at full strength.”
“Good. I would like to speak with you later about returning to your duties, but for now, I am going to help process Jian Wu’s initiation into the sect.”
Mei Qi’s lips trembled in displeasure as she forced them into a smile. “You are going to initiate him into the sect… yourself?”
“Indeed, I am. That is just how big of an impression he left on me,” Zhe Dāozhe announced to the astonishment of the elders. “Now, then. All of you may disperse. Return to your duties. Once I am done here, we shall convene a council.”
“As you command, Sect Mster.”
Everyone bowed and went on their way, leaving Wu Jian only with those who had come with them on their journey.
“That woman doesn’t seem to like you much,” Wu Jian whispered to Wu Meiying.
She nodded and subtly whispered back. “Mei Qi has always hated me because of my status within the sect. She sees me as a threat to her position, even though I couldn’t care less.”
“I see. She sounds like trouble.”
“She is. I recommend you avoid her if you can.”
“Noted.”
“Come along, you two. Stop whispering and let us be off,” said Zhe Dāozhe.
“Yes, sect master,” Wu Jian and Wu Meiying said in unison.
The sect master quickly departed, and Wu Jian followed him alongside the others. They left the dock, flew down from the mountain, and soon landed just outside of the city he had seen from above.
Now that they were closer, Wu Jian could see just how majestic and well-crafted the city was. Most of the buildings were characterized by their tall, pagoda-like towers that reached towards the sky, mirroring the pagodas atop the peaks. These towers were multi-tiered. They possessed gracefully curved roofs adorned with intricate eaves.
There were quite a few people wandering in and out of the city, but all of them stopped and gave a martial bow when they saw their sect master. A few also began whispered conversations. Wu Jian, who listened in, could tell they were shocked to see both the sect master and their “lady oracle” together like this. Many of them were wondering what these two prominent figures were doing.
“This is Heavenly Sword City,” Zhe Dāozhe said with a grand gesture. “And it will be here where you spend most of your time.”