The sun hovered overhead, casting soft golden rays upon the Azure Sky Sect's inner courtyard, where elders, disciples, and even a few core members watched from afar. Ling Tianxiao's presence had become something of legend overnight. A foreign young master, bearing noble bearing, unshakable might, and a mysterious background—already crushing the once-celebrated genius of the sect without drawing his blade.
Tianxiao stepped calmly through the courtyard, his robes fluttering slightly with each graceful step. Qing Yue trailed at his side, her poise still that of an immortal guardian, but her eyes now carried a strange softness whenever they flicked to his profile.
"You've caused quite the stir," she murmured, lips curling. "The Saintess has been trying to act composed, but her aura keeps fluctuating whenever your name's mentioned."
Tianxiao chuckled lightly, "Fluctuating interest or caution?"
"Perhaps both." Qing Yue tilted her head. "But you already know that, don't you?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he raised a hand, pausing mid-step.
[Quest Update: Seek the Vault of Azure Skies.]
[Hint: Luck threads are drawn to legacy. Ye Tian's remaining threads grow dim, but not severed. Greater fate awaits within.]
The golden screen flickered before him and vanished just as quickly.
Qing Yue narrowed her eyes. "System message?"
He nodded. "The vault may contain more than resources. I suspect a legacy awaits. And if fate flows through it... Ye Tian likely still has ties to it."
Qing Yue's smile grew sharper. "Then it would be wise to sever them now."
As they approached the great pavilion at the mountain's heart, the sect master himself stood waiting at the steps—alongside the Saintess in flowing azure robes and two elders.
"Honored Young Master," the sect master greeted, bowing slightly. "We have prepared the Azure Vault as per your request. Only the highest-level disciples are ever permitted entry, but for you, it is open."
The Saintess stepped forward, her gaze calm but curious. "If it pleases Young Master Tianxiao, I have also been ordered to accompany you during this visit."
Tianxiao's golden eyes met hers. "Very well. Lead the way."
As the group entered the depths of the Azure Sky Mountain, toward the sealed vault, whispers spread across the sect like wildfire.
Behind the silence, however, Ye Tian's allies watched with unease. They had seen the kneeling scene. They had heard his master's warnings. And now... they feared what would happen if this young master reached the next tier of power.
The narrow path leading toward the vault twisted through flowering groves and crystalline waterfalls, far from the bustling inner courts. It was designed to be serene, sacred—a place few disciples ever had the honor to tread. Yet the silence was now filled with something else.
Tension.
The Saintess walked a half-step ahead of Ling Tianxiao, her expression a mask of grace and calm, but her thoughts were anything but composed.
Why does it feel like I'm the one being tested?
Every time she glanced to the side, she met those golden eyes—too sharp, too knowing. A glance that peeled away at the dignity she was supposed to carry as the Saintess of the Azure Sky Sect.
"Is this your first time guiding a guest to the Azure Vault?" he asked casually, breaking the silence.
She paused. "Yes. It is only opened once every few decades. And… only to those who the Sect deems truly worthy."
"Worthy?" Tianxiao smiled faintly. "Then tell me, Saintess… do you think I'm worthy?"
The question shouldn't have caught her off guard—but it did. She turned to him fully now, robes fluttering lightly in the wind. Her gaze met his evenly.
"You defeated Ye Tian with aura alone. You forced the Sect Master's hand. Even the ancient barrier recognized your bloodline and allowed you passage." Her lips quirked slightly. "If that's not worthy, I don't know what is."
Tianxiao stepped closer, and for the first time, the Saintess felt her composure waver.
"And what of your judgment?" he asked softly. "Do you deem me worthy?"
Her breath caught.
"You're… dangerous," she murmured, voice low. "Too calm. Too confident. Men like you twist fates just by existing."
"I never twist fates." Tianxiao's gaze turned faintly amused. "I simply reclaim what fate took from me."
His proximity was unnerving—and thrilling. She could sense his cultivation, tightly restrained, more potent than most elders she'd known. And yet, it wasn't just power that unnerved her.
It was that look.
Like he could already see her answer. Like he knew she was already intrigued.
Her heart skipped once, then steadied. "We're here."
They stood before a towering stone gate etched with celestial runes. A glowing formation pulsed faintly at its center.
Tianxiao turned to her, then leaned in just slightly, his voice a velvet murmur. "Shall we enter, guide?"
The Saintess flushed despite herself. "Try not to steal anything that isn't yours."
Tianxiao chuckled. "I only take what belongs to me by right."
And with a flick of his sleeve, the vault door rumbled open—ancient power stirring behind it.