A bustle of activity broke out just before dawn above the Lu family estate. Rushing around cleaning doorways, putting red carpets, and hanging ornamental banners, servants kept busy. Their quiet talks revealing both stress and expectation, the elders examined the main courtyard's preparations.
For the Lu family—a mid-tier farming clan in the Southern Territories now facing a unique chance for progress—the visit from the Celestial Sword Sect envoys was like heaven's blessing. In the cultivated universe, ties to powerful sects meant everything: riches, protection, and status.
Practicing the Celestial Foundation Method, Zhen Lu stood in his courtyard. His development had been quick, to the fifth level of the Sea of Essence domain—a feat usually taking years rather than days. He felt Mei Lin coming before she spoke.
Young Master, the Patriarch summons you to the center hall. The envoys will come in under an hour.
Zhen agreed. Say him I'll be there soon.
He activated the bronze talisman the Patriarch had given him when Mei Lin left. The turbulent energy inside him became almost unnoticeable under layers of concealment. Warm against his skin, the amulet was ancient power reacting to his touch.
Zhen came to the center hall to see the Grand Elder talking with the Patriarch. Their conversation stopped suddenly at his arrival.
The Patriarch remarked, "Ah, Zhen, good timing." Your part today was only under discussion.
Though Zhen saw undercurrents of calculating in the Grand Elder's gaze, his demeanor was opaque. Certainly. Your... unexpected progress has opened special possibilities.
The Grand Elder thinks we should show you with Hao as our family's twin gifts, the Patriarch said.
Zhen's gaze tightened a little. I didn't know Hao had bounced back from our match so fast.
The Grand Elder's features broke into a little smile. Resilience has always characterized my nephew. These last days, he has worked assiduously to regain his vigor and create fresh discoveries.
Unspoken was what Zhen already suspected—Hao had probably been given some kind of enhancement elixir to hasten his recovery and progress.
The Grand Elder said, "Above all, the Celestial Sword Sect values potential." "Two outstanding abilities will leave a stronger impression than one.
A bell rung three times to indicate guests had come at the complex gates, thus before more conversation could take place.
The Patriarch said, "They're early," his face showing a hint of worry. Remember, Zhen, show just what is required. The Sect values strength, yet enigma has its own appeal.
The gathering party went to the main entrance, where the family's key members had gathered in hierarchical order. Zhen stood just behind the Patriarch opposite Hao, who cast him a poisonous look before flattening his face to one of reverence.
Three people were revealed by the gates swinging open. Leading the group was Elder Wei Tian, a well-known sword master from the outer court of the Celestial Sword Sect, a middle-aged man in immaculate white robes stitched with silver sword designs. Two younger students stood behind him: a serious young guy with an elaborate black sword case and a thin woman whose face was partially covered by a small veil.
Zhen's eyes stayed on the lady. Though her features were half-hidden, there was something eerily familiar about her: the way she carried herself, the delicate flow of sword energy surrounding her body.
"Welcome, esteemed envoys of the Celestial Sword Sect," the Patriarch said with a proper bow. Your presence humbles the Lu family.
Elder Wei nodded briefly. Though we have to be honest since our time is short, we value your hospitality, Patriarch Lu. We have interesting reports on potential in your family and would like to assess them directly.
Certainly, the Patriarch said. Our training ground is ready for the show.
Zhen saw the veiled lady observing him as they headed near the arena. Her stare was keen, almost recognitional, not the casual appraisal usual of sect evaluators.
The event had seen the training arena changed. Lining the walls, weapon racks showed the Lu family's best firearms. While a large round stage ruled the middle, seats had been set for the seniors and respected guests.
Elder Wei said as he sat down, "Usually we do a straightforward test." The candidates show their spiritual resonance, combat skill, and cultivation level. These elements help us to decide eligibility for entrance into our sect.
The Patriarch agreed. Hao Lu and Zhen Lu are ready to show what they can do.
Zhen Lu! The female follower spoke for the first time, her voice unexpectedly authoritative. Is this the one said to have defeated your family's top disciple with a single move?
Her question was followed by a tense quiet. The Patriarch's face stayed neutral. News spreads fast. Indeed, Zhen has shown outstanding development lately.
She said, going forward and lifting her veil, "I'll evaluate him personally."
The audience expressed astonishment in whispers. Even Elder Wei appeared surprised. The evaluation system, Senior Sister Mo Yu—
"Can be changed if conditions call for it," she said, looking at Zhen closely.
Zhen could see her clearly with her veil off: sharp, polished features surrounded by dark hair pulled back in a basic style highlighted by a silver hairpin fashioned like a sword. Her seeming youth belied the depth in her gaze. This was not your typical disciple; rather, it was someone quite important for the group.
Someone behind Zhen said, "Mo Yu... the Sword Fairy?"
Hao moved ahead. Elder Wei, I have worked really hard to show the sword methods of the Lu family. Maybe I ought to—
Elder Wei promised him, "You will have your chance." It seems, nevertheless, that Senior Sister Mo Yu has shown special interest in your... relative, correct?
Mo Yu came down to the stage and pulled a thin blade that looked to vibrate with almost uncontrolled power. Zhen Lu, let me see what brought on such uproar.
Zhen came up quietly, bowed respectfully, and then took his seat. His thoughts raced inwardly. Mo Yu made things more difficult. The name "Sword Fairy" had been legendary in his former life—a genius whose sword methods were claimed to near perfection. Should this be the same individual, she would readily see past fundamental fraud.
Your curiosity, Senior Sister Mo Yu, honors me, Zhen remarked. Still, I worry that stories about my skills might have been overstated.
A little smile crossed her lips. We will see. Unsheathe your sword.
From the rack, Zhen picked a conventional practice sword. Mo Yu struck the instant his fingers closed around the hilt—a lightning-fast stab straight at his heart.
To the onlookers, what followed seemed almost just blurred motion. Zhen's body moved a bit; the practice sword seemed to just swing in an arc that exactly diverted Mo Yu's strike. The conflict of metals left a distinct, ringing sound in the atmosphere.
Mo Yu's eyes widened slightly. She immediately started a complicated sequence of strikes using the renowned "Thirteen Heavenly Sword Paths" method of the Celestial Sword Sect.
Zhen countered each assault with lowest required effort utilizing economical movements instead of matching her technique for technique. Profound knowledge of sword principles and ideal timing—qualities unattainable for a recently promoted "waste" to have—characterized this strategy.
Mo Yu suddenly halted after thirty exchanges, sheathing her sword in one smooth stroke. That's plenty.
The stadium stayed quiet. Even the Patriarch seemed anxious knowing Zhen had shown significantly more ability than they had talked about.
Mo Yu remarked, looking at Zhen more closely, "Your approach is... strange." Though your cultivation level says different, you move as if you have fought a thousand battles.
Zhen bowed once again. The sword only led me.
"The sword's direction," she said again, her face showing interest. Few people grasp what that really implies. She looked to Elder Wei. I have seen enough.
Elder Wei nodded and pointed to Hao. Let us now look at the Lu family's recognized ability.
Technically speaking, Hao's show was impressive: strong strikes, flawless form, and obvious proof of sixth-level Sea of Essence realm development. Still, his motions felt strained; a slight instability in his energy flow hinted at recent, hurried progress.
Elder Wei spoke to the Patriarch after both exhibitions ended. Your family has offered two deserving candidates. Before leaving, we shall consider and declare our choice.
Zhen saw Mo Yu looking back at him as the envoys were led to a private chamber for conversation; her look was intense but unreadable. Her look hinted at more than professional assessment; maybe even nostalgia, maybe recognition.
"You showed too much," the Patriarch said quietly as they made their way back to the main chamber. Yes, the fundamental skill, but the sword modifications were well beyond your claimed degree.
Zhen said softly, "She would have noticed intentional underperformance." Showing controlled skill is preferable to being revealed as fraudulent.
The Patriarch let out a sigh. Maybe. But you have made our situation more difficult. The Sword Fairy's fascination is both chance and risk.
An hour later, the envoys came back to declare their choice. Once again, the Lu family members convened, hope hanging thick in the atmosphere.
Elder Wei moved forward. Following thoughtful deliberation, the Celestial Sword Sect has chosen to welcome Zhen Lu and Hao Lu as outer court disciples.
Excited whispers spread like wildfire throughout the throng. For a family of their prominence, two acceptances was unusual.
Elder Wei went on, "Moreover, Senior Sister Mo Yu has shown personal desire to supervise Zhen Lu's sword training."
This news created an even bigger commotion. Hao's face clouded briefly before he pushed a grin.
Zhen came face to face with Mo Yu as the official ceremony finished.
She told him, "We depart at dawn tomorrow." Prepare just what is necessary.
Senior Sister, may I ask why you are so interested in my training? Zhen dared.
Mo Yu looked at him for a long time before answering. Your weapon resonates with something I once knew. Whether recollection or coincidence, I aim to find the truth. Her voice falling to a whisper, she moved closer. Zhen Lu, there is more to you than first sight suggests. Much more.
Leaving Zhen to consider this unanticipated turn, she spun around and rejoined the other envoys with those enigmatic remarks. Though the encounter had been quiet, a notification finally showed up as Mo Yu walked away:
Task Progress: Celestial Sword Sect acceptance accomplished. Bonus goal opened: "The Sword Fairy's Recognition." Reward awaited journey to the sect.
Zhen observed the envoys go, knowing the road ahead had just grown rather more difficult. Mo Yu's curiosity said she felt something known in him—maybe a link to his former existence. Such awareness could be either a useful friend or a risky complication.
In any case, the wheels of fate had started to move in earnest.