Chapter 49: Ten Years of Silence, a Blade Finally Unsheathed!
For many, the name Li Shuang stirred memories from a decade past. When she first entered the sect, even the venerable Sect Master and the mighty Peak Masters competed for her favor. While most disciples waited for the masters to choose their path, Li Shuang boldly picked her own guide. Among those who sought her hand, she stood firm in choosing True Immortal Ling Xu.
She was forever known as the gifted one. In only three short years, she forged her Golden Core. In ten, she soared to the Nascent Soul stage, shattering record after record in Sword Sect. The whole hall hummed with excitement. Many believed that at long last, Sword Sect would witness the rise of a peerless genius.
Yet, just as all eyes fixed on her meteoric ascent, Li Shuang… vanished into the mists of obscurity.
Ten long years.
For mortal lives that barely span a century, ten years can be nearly a lifetime—a time filled with both the innocence of youth and the frailty of old age. And Li Shuang, at the very peak of her brilliance, stepped away from the stage for a full decade.
A decade is enough to shift the currents of fate.
Many almost forgot the brilliant light she once cast upon the sect.
But now—
Li Shuang had returned, her presence clear and unyielding!
Even after ten silent years, even after shedding her old ways to begin anew—even at the modest Energy Refining stage, she bested a cultivator of Foundation Establishment!
She remained that unmatched genius of the Sword Dao.
Her sword might have changed, but the blade in her hand shone as keen as ever.
After a brief silence, the assembled crowd roared like a storm.
“Li Shuang! Li Shuang!” they chanted.
Luo Ming Yue waved a banner with all her might, her voice echoing until it grew hoarse, her eyes glistening with emotion.
In the quiet days of Li Shuang’s absence, Luo Ming Yue had only felt a trace of regret. But now she understood the pain and injustice Li Shuang had suffered.
[Even if Li Shuang cares little for herself, I care for her!]
Today, the genius of Sword Dao had reclaimed her name!
Luo Ming Yue raised her voice again, and the roaring cheers surged upward like a rising tide, celebrating the end of ten years of silence with her brilliant return.
…
At the edge of the Arena, Ye Zhao Zhao gripped the legendary sword, Dragon’s Roar, in battle. Though it seemed as if she commanded the sword herself, the true master was the Sword Spirit, Long Yan, who dwelled deep within the hidden space of sword arts. Without a true master’s guiding hand, Long Yan struggled to let the blade dance freely. Yet, he had once been Li Shuang’s cherished Sword Spirit.
Ye Zhao Zhao’s opponent was not strong. With graceful sword techniques, Long Yan quickly subdued the foe. A slight smile touched her lips, for the sword—fabled in its might—had ascended with Li Shuang. In visions of the future, Li Shuang had once cleaved dark clouds of tribulation with a single strike during her ascension. And that very sword was Dragon’s Roar!
Now, that peerless blade belonged to Ye Zhao Zhao. Long Yan poured all his strength into dazzling sword techniques until, with one final flourish, a grand finishing move sent the opponent tumbling from the Arena. Ye Zhao Zhao emerged victorious.
But at the moment of triumph, a thunderous roar echoed around her. She paused, her heart trembling.
Was the duel truly so enthralling? Were all the cheers meant for her?
[Perhaps my fame in Sword Sect is enough to light my path,] she thought, for her Tri-Spiritual Root talent had already made her a legend among the disciples. This battle in the Arena was her first clash with fellow sect members, and the attention felt natural.
Yet, in the very next heartbeat, a new cry rang out: “Li Shuang! Li Shuang!”
The cheers swept through the Martial Training Field like a mighty river. Ye Zhao Zhao’s smile froze.
Li Shuang?
They were calling for Li Shuang!
A group of disciples, watching the duels nearby, turned their eyes toward the central Arena. Even the sect stewards, overseeing the matches, glanced over as if drawn by an unseen force. Ye Zhao Zhao’s grip on her sword tightened until her knuckles turned white.
Within the Sword Spirit space, Long Yan too heard the clamor. He emerged with a troubled look and cast his gaze toward the Arena.
“You wish to see her as well?” Ye Zhao Zhao’s voice cut like a cold wind.
Long Yan tensed and replied quickly, “Zhao Zhao, you and I share one spirit. I only wish to learn of our foes, for Li Shuang has stirred great winds. If fate declares her our enemy, it is wise to watch her closely.”
Ye Zhao Zhao’s face remained as cold as winter. “Fine. Let us go and see.”
Though her tone was sharp, Long Yan sensed a hidden warmth behind her anger. [Her fury must be born of care—she never hides her true feelings with me, and that is what makes her unique.]
They were destined, like two blades meeting in a fierce duel.
Following the surging crowd, Ye Zhao Zhao reached the central Arena just in time to hear the referee’s announcement: “Victor: Li Shuang!”
On the stage, Li Shuang nodded calmly. Her gaze lowered, softening for a moment as she looked at Black Abyss before carefully sheathing her sword. Listening to the hushed whispers of the disciples, Ye Zhao Zhao pieced together the events.
Li Shuang had won!
A cultivator at the Energy Refining stage had defeated an opponent nearing the late stages of Foundation Establishment!
“Senior Sister Li’s progress since her rebirth is astonishing. She has already reached the ninth level of Energy Refining. By the time she enters the Langya Secret Realm, she might even touch the tenth!”
“Indeed, a genius remains a genius. Even with a fresh start, she surpasses us all.”
“She once reached Foundation Establishment in half a year and formed her Golden Core in three years. At this pace, she may break her own record.”
The disciples chattered with admiration, but Ye Zhao Zhao’s face darkened further.
That cursed System had declared that she and Li Shuang were destined foes. For every ounce of cultivation she lost, Li Shuang would gain it.
Li Shuang’s rapid rise—was it not stolen from her?
She could not speak these thoughts aloud, yet in her heart they cried out again and again.
[Calm down. It is not too late. It is not too late!]
Li Shuang had not yet reached Foundation Establishment. By the look in her eyes, she would soon enter the Langya Secret Realm. There, Ye Zhao Zhao planned to ensure that Li Shuang would not leave the arena alive.
As these bitter emotions clashed within her, Li Shuang’s cultivation surged. She broke into the tenth level of Energy Refining. A strange thought flashed in her eyes as she glanced across the throng. There, she caught sight of Ye Zhao Zhao, whose twisted expression was as clear as day.
Li Shuang lowered her eyes in quiet intrigue.
Interesting.
Ye Zhao Zhao… truly shared a deep connection with my cultivation.
High above on the platform, Meng Yi Fei bathed in the joy of Li Shuang’s triumph.
“Sect Master, did you see that?” Lin Qing Ling asked with a knowing smile. “Li Shuang has not only grasped the basics of the Sword Domain—she has perfected it. Even that so-called prodigy from the Primordial Blue Sect has not reached such a level, has he?”
Meng Yi Fei nodded, his eyes flickering as a memory stirred.
A genius such as this must never be allowed to wither. Lin Qing Ling’s words held quiet significance.
Then, Meng Yi Fei recalled another matter—
There was still the unresolved case of Chang Le An.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation