The skies had long since shifted from azure to a pearly gray when the great spiritual boat emerged from the drifting sea of clouds. Towering mountain ranges pierced the heavens like immortal swords frozen in time, each one shrouded in mist and bathed in ethereal light. As the boat continued forward, a vast mountain valley opened before them, majestic and serene. At its heart sat an enormous peak—tall, straight, and as sharp as a divine blade cleaving through the sky.
This was the Sky-Reaching Sword Sect.
Built around an enormous natural sword-shaped mountain known as Sky-Reaching Peak, the sect sprawled across interconnected ranges. Floating pavilions glimmered above waterfalls, while flying sword formations zipped through the skies like streaks of starlight. Ancient stairways carved from crystal jade spiraled along cliff faces, and sword-shaped stone monuments emanated invisible pressure that made even the air feel disciplined.
In the distance, bell towers rang—deep, sonorous tones echoing like the heartbeat of the mountain.
"Beautiful…" someone whispered on the deck, unable to hold it in.
As the spiritual boat descended slowly, it passed over several large satellite peaks, many of which bore banners—Iron Sword Peak, Wind Shear Peak, Stone Blade Peak—each representing different cultivation focuses or divisions within the sect. But the boat continued toward the lower southern range, where numerous outer sect buildings had been built in organized harmony.
A large open-air plaza, carved from sky-iron stone, awaited their landing. It was vast—enough to hold thousands. On its far side stood a row of elders, clad in silver-trimmed robes, their auras reserved but no less intimidating. Some had swords sheathed across their backs; others simply stood like they were swords.
The spiritual boat hummed as it came to a halt in the air, then slowly descended. Wind stirred the robes of the waiting elders and sent small ripples through the surrounding clouds.
With a soft thud, the boat touched down.
"All outer sect candidates, disembark in an orderly fashion!" a voice boomed from the front of the ship, infused with spiritual power. It echoed across the deck and plaza.
The massive crowd began to stir. Figures filed off the boat—youths and young women of all kinds. Many came alone, while some were followed by attendants or retainers. Some tried to appear calm and noble, others gazed around in awe, eyes wide as saucers.
Li Qingyun stepped down from the boat, his expression calm and reserved. He stood alone in the crowd. Xia Shuying walked beside him, her black hair gleaming in the sun, her steps elegant and deliberate. Even among so many people, the two of them drew countless gazes.
Several murmurs rose from the crowd.
At the front of the plaza, one of the elders took a step forward and raised his voice.
"I am Elder Qian, responsible for the outer sect logistics. By the decree of the Sect Master, all new candidates will begin as outer sect disciples. Regardless of talent or background, one must first establish a foundation of discipline and understanding before entering the inner sect."
His tone left no room for argument.
"Depending on your performance, cultivation progress, or successful passage of the inner sect trial, you may be admitted into the inner sect in the future. For now, you will be assigned to one of the six outer peaks: Iron Sword, Falling Leaf, Wind Shear, Stone Blade, Cloud Edge, and Clear Sky."
At those words, several disciples turned toward the elders, eager-eyed.
The outer peaks were renowned for their different styles of sword cultivation. Many secretly hoped to be placed where their strengths lay.
Elder Qian continued, "Each of you will be given a sword-token identifying your assigned peak. This token grants you access to your residence, resource allotments, and practice areas. Losing it will result in punishment. Treasure it."
The sect disciples assisting the elders stepped forward and began distributing the jade tokens. Each one shimmered faintly with sword qi and bore the character of the assigned peak.
When Li Qingyun received his, he glanced at the inscription:
"Clear Sky"
Lu Yifan, meanwhile, stared at his token: Wind Shear Peak. Though respected, it wasn't the best.
Xia Shuying, from a few steps away, also looked at hers and smiled faintly. "Looks like we'll be neighbors again."
Li Qingyun gave a soft nod. He wasn't surprised.
But murmurs quickly rippled through the disciples who knew about Clear Sky Peak.
"Clear Sky Peak?"
"Isn't that… reserved for special cases?"
"I've never heard of outer sect disciples being placed there before."
The confusion wasn't unfounded. In the Sky-Reaching Sword Sect, Clear Sky Peak was known not for the number of disciples it held—but for how few it did. It was not an ordinary outer sect peak. Rather, it was the one peak personally overseen by the elders responsible for nurturing future core disciples. Only the most promising candidates—those with rare physiques, high comprehension, and potential for sword intent—were ever considered for placement there.
As the disciples moved toward their respective peak guides, Li Qingyun and Xia Shuying alone remained behind.
A middle-aged man in flowing white robes with cloud-patterned embroidery approached them. His aura was tranquil like a lake yet carried unfathomable depth.
"I am Elder Fang, one of the stewards of Clear Sky Peak. You are all now outer sect disciples of the Sky-Reaching Sword Sect. From this point on, your actions represent your peak and the sect as a whole. Do not disgrace your sword."
His tone was not harsh, but carried the subtle sharpness of a blade drawn halfway from its sheath—elegant, yet not to be tested.
There was no announcement. No declarations of their talent. The sect never publicized its treasures.
But among the elders present, several exchanged glances. The sect had already received detailed summaries from Elder Wu Zheng regarding Li Qingyun—his perfect mastery of the Voidcleave Sword Manual, his divine physique, his natural sword intent, and most importantly… the fact that he had quietly stepped into the Foundation Establishment realm while concealing it perfectly.
As for Xia Shuying, the daughter of a sword cultivating clan and awakener of Sword Bone Physique, her sword path needed no introduction.
That these two were placed together—on the secluded Clear Sky Peak—was no coincidence.
They were not ordinary disciples.
Under Elder Fang's guidance, they took to the air aboard smaller sword-ferries—hovering platforms shaped like broad flying swords. The ferries lifted from the plaza and glided smoothly toward the far side of the southern range.
As they drew closer, the landscape changed.
Clear Sky Peak was more secluded than the others. Its ridgelines were gentler, flanked by ancient trees and veiled waterfalls that cascaded down mossy cliffs. Wooden pavilions with green-tile roofs rested within natural clearings, while spiraling paths of white stone climbed through bamboo groves and quiet glades.
Sword-shaped spirit markers dotted the land, some old and cracked, others newly placed. But unlike the harsher, more imposing peaks, there was a profound stillness here—like a sword that had already seen a hundred battles and now rested in quiet mastery.
"This place…" Xia Shuying murmured beside Li Qingyun. "It's more peaceful than I expected."
Li Qingyun nodded. He could already sense it—the flow of sword qi in the air here was gentle but precise. The terrain was not for show; it had been cultivated intentionally for comprehension and tempering. A place for deep introspection and refinement of swordsmanship.
As they disembarked from the ferries, Elder Fang continued his explanation.
"Clear Sky Peak was once the domain of a famed sword sage. While it is not the most aggressive of the outer peaks, its foundations are profound. Here, sword cultivation focuses on clarity, precision, and harmony with the sword's intent. The mountain's formation naturally amplifies sword comprehension."
He handed out scrolls to both of them. "These contain the rules of the outer sect and an outline of Clear Sky Peak's facilities: training platforms, sword comprehension chambers, cultivation pavilions, and the outer sect sword library. Study them carefully."
Each was fitted with a cultivation room and sword stand, along with a token-based formation to guard privacy.
Then he began to lead them to their individual residences—simple yet elegant courtyards nestled along terraced slopes. Li Qingyun's own courtyard rested beside a narrow stream, with plum blossoms blooming across a stone bridge. As he walked through the entrance, the door opened to a tidy, sunlit space—a place to rest, cultivate, and train.
He stepped inside, set his belongings down, and opened the window. The wind carried the scent of sword grasses and distant rain.
From her nearby courtyard, Xia Shuying's voice drifted softly.
"It's quiet."
Li Qingyun responded without turning. "Good. That means fewer distractions."