Chapter 114: The Sword Dao—New Willow Color
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
Morning light pierced the dense mountain fog, bathing the forest in golden radiance. A vibrant dawn spread across the horizon, mist rising like a veil. Disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy gathered for an early meal, their faces solemn.
Today marked the first battle of the Dao Inquiry at Spirit Sword Mountain. He Ling Xiu, a direct disciple of the Hall of Tranquility, would face off against Yan Shu Jing of Mystic Sword Peak. The match consisted of three rounds, with victory requiring two wins. Though it was He Ling Xiu wielding the sword, she represented the entire academy, and this weighed heavily on everyone.
As a result, breakfast passed in near silence. Yet despite the disciples’ reticence, numerous Spirit Sword Mountain Outer Court disciples cast amused glances in their direction, their smiles tinged with scorn.
Among the Heavenly Script disciples, You Bu Yu, who had been immersed in secluded cultivation in recent days, noticed this and frowned. “What are they saying?” he asked.
Wang Yue, seated nearby, replied in a low voice, “Yesterday, an Outer Court disciple named Ji You attempted to challenge the Sword Forest at Heavenly Sword Peak.”
You Bu Yu turned toward him. “The Sword Forest?”
Wang Yue nodded. “I only learned of it yesterday. Spirit Sword Mountain’s Heavenly Sword Peak hosts a trial ground called the Sword Forest. Anyone who passes through can train in Spirit Sword Mountain’s Sword Dao.”
Resting his arm on the table, Wang Yue continued, “Ji You has always been obsessed with swordsmanship. He must have been intrigued from the moment he arrived. Not long after entering the mountain, he went to the Sword Forest.”
Fang Lin Chao, who had also heard rumors, interjected with confusion. “I heard disciples from the Dao Seeking Sect and Mountain and Sea Pavilion also challenged the forest. Why, then, does the scorn seem directed solely at our academy?”
“Because Ji You made a fool of himself.”
“What kind of foolery?”
“It’s said that the final sword in the First Layer Forest is named Little Overlapping Mountain. Even the weakest Profound Enlightenment disciple of Spirit Sword Mountain needed only eight strikes to pass. But yesterday, Ji You took sixteen strikes… and then he entered the Second Layer Forest only to be defeated shortly after.”
Wang Yue added, “The disciples from the Dao Seeking Sect and Mountain and Sea Pavilion witnessed his disgrace firsthand.”
You Bu Yu’s expression darkened. His voice grew sharp. “I expressly forbade anyone from causing unnecessary trouble. How could he ignore my command?”
“Ji You comes from humble, rogue-cultivator origins. He lacks discipline. At the Pill Sect, he wandered about without permission. I later heard murmurs suggesting he and his companions secretly accessed the Medicinal Pool…”
“?!”
The rumors surrounding Ji You and Ban Yang Shu had only grown since their return from the Pill Sect. Their sudden improvements in cultivation had fueled much speculation. Though others had no proof, idle gossip thrived.
Wang Yue hesitated to disrupt his senior brother’s focus before the battle but ultimately could not hold back. “This man has no sense of propriety. Disgracing the academy at the Pill Sect was one thing, but to do so again at Spirit Sword Mountain? Does he intend to tarnish the academy’s reputation completely?”
He continued bitterly, “Even if Senior Sister He and I win today and tomorrow, Spirit Sword Mountain will use Ji You’s actions as fodder for ridicule. How could our academy retain any dignity?”
Fang Lin Chao exchanged a glance with Wang Yue, their brows furrowing. You Bu Yu’s words rang true. A straightforward victory in the Dao Inquiry would have restored the Heavenly Script Academy’s honor, reaffirming the Divine Sect of Great Xia’s dominance. Yet Ji You’s recklessness had undermined everything, turning them into laughingstocks.
You Bu Yu slammed his hand on the table, splintering his bamboo chopsticks into powder. “Now I see why the Office of Affairs has always been against Ji You. Setting aside the Chu Clan connection, he has no pride in being a disciple of the Heavenly Script Academy. He’s a liability. After the Dao Inquiry, I will petition my aunt to expel him!”
His tone carried an air of finality. The discontent he’d harbored for Ji You, especially due to Yuan Cai Wei’s starkly contrasting treatment of them both, ignited like wildfire upon hearing these tales.
At a nearby table, Wen Zheng Xin and Pei Ru Yi had been watching. They exchanged glances before returning to their meal.
Pei Ru Yi broke the silence. “Did Junior Brother Ji really challenge the Sword Forest?”
Ban Yang Shu, sipping congee, nodded. “The rumors began spreading last night. Few remain unaware.”
Lowering her voice, Pei Ru Yi muttered, “Ji You always spoke of studying swordsmanship. I’m not surprised he attempted the trial. But why did it take him sixteen strikes?”
“The disciples of Spirit Sword Mountain begin their journey by studying the sword. What’s so unusual about someone advancing quickly? Junior Brother Ji’s swordsmanship was taught by Old Wang and was unconventional from the start. What’s odd about him practicing a few more times to get accustomed?”
“But you should know, Junior Brother, even if he conquers the Sword Forest, Heavenly Sword Peak won’t teach him…”
“Junior Brother said before that he’s observing the sword to comprehend the Dao, so perhaps he doesn’t need anyone to teach him. But, have you ever heard of anyone succeeding this way?”
Ban Yangshu shook his head. “If mastering the Sword Dao were truly this simple, the sword techniques of Spirit Sword Mountain would have spread across the world long ago.”
Bai Ru Long, sipping on his thin porridge, stayed out of the conversation but looked noticeably grim.
After ascending the mountain early yesterday morning, he rested briefly before planning to visit Brother Ji and inquire about Spirit Sword Mountain. However, just as he approached Brother Ji’s courtyard, he noticed guards stationed along the mountain path, and from within the room came sounds of combat and cries of pain. He suspected that Brother Ji had been forced to enter the Sword Forest as a means of humiliation.
This truth was known only to him.
After finishing breakfast, He Ling Xiu, who had remained silent throughout the meal, rose with her sword in hand. The other disciples exchanged glances before following her out.
At this moment, the Immortal Gazing Platform of Spirit Sword Mountain was bustling. Disciples from the Dao Seeking Sect, Mountain and Sea Pavilion, and Spirit Sword Mountain had all gathered, creating a sea of people.
Aside from these three sects, a corner of the platform held representatives from the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace, the Chen Clan of Immortals, and their external allies from the Heavenly Script Academy. Their small numbers made them hard to spot unless one looked closely.
Across the cliff’s mid-slope sat the head of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, the esteemed protector of the Dao Seeking Sect, and several elders of Spirit Sword Mountain.
What drew frowns from the disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy, however, was the presence of another group on the high cliff to the right. At the forefront sat a young man with sapphire demon eyes and faint scales along his neck. Behind him stood a burly middle-aged man with short horns on his head and a silver spear in hand.
Though the Demon Clan had ostensibly entered human territory for trade, everyone knew their true interest lay in the human Daoist lineages. Yet, the Pill Sect’s widespread dissemination of Pill Dao had complicated matters, leaving the demons cautious.
Beyond the Daoist lineages, the Demon Clan was most curious about the true strength of humanity. Recently, cultivators from the Azure Clouds Dominion had seen a demon’s chariot, drawn by strange beasts, circling the Chen Clan’s territory in Qing Prefecture, seemingly observing the area.
The Mountain and Sea Pavilion and the faction of Heavenly Sword Peak within Spirit Sword Mountain had been summoned to the mountain. Whatever compromises were made, no one knew. Not even the fate of Sect Master Chen Ru Hai was certain. All they knew was that war had not erupted.
And so, the demon’s chariot moved on to Ling Prefecture.
While the Immortal Gazing Platform bustled with activity, the Sword Forest was eerily silent.
Most disciples of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion and the Dao Seeking Sect had realized that conquering Elder Qi’s Sword Forest would take at least a full month of effort. Their enthusiasm had waned considerably. The disciples of Spirit Sword Mountain, on the other hand, felt they had ample time and were in no rush, preferring to spectate the excitement at the Heavenly Script Academy.
Thus, the serene bamboo forest now housed only a lone swordsman in white, holding a three-foot iron sword as he walked down the mountain path and into the woods.
Last night, he had roasted sweet potatoes with the Little Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain, reminiscent of his winter days at the Heavenly Script Academy, though this time… he hadn’t managed to hold her.
After eating, Yan Shu Yi subtly dismissed Zhuo Wan Qiu and Ding Yao. Ji You, unable to hold his tongue, casually asked if she wanted a hug. He intended to gauge her reaction. Unexpectedly, the Little Mirror Master kicked him twice with her dainty feet and stormed off with a murderous aura.
He shouldn’t have brought it up. The last time he hugged her, she had feigned ignorance. Initially, she had trembled slightly in his arms, but soon she grew quiet, pretending as if nothing had happened. Now that he had voiced it, it would likely be much harder to embrace her again in the future.
Ji You regretfully gripped his sword and muttered as he walked into the forest, entering the second layer. This area was empty as well, but scattered around were discarded medicine vials, likely left behind by disciples attempting to challenge the forest.
“No sense of decency…” he muttered. “Do they not realize that Spirit Sword Mountain is my home and that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility?”
Ji You organized the medicine vials carefully before gripping his iron sword and stepping into the depths of the Second Layer Forest.
Suddenly, the once silent forest erupted with the fierce howls of sword intent, and an overwhelming killing intent surged forth. He drew a deep breath and stepped forward. Instantly, the sharp whistling of sword qi surrounded him, pressing against him with an intensity that made his expression grow serious.
Buzz—
Ji You advanced with his sword vibrating fiercely, colliding head-on with the sword qi of the Second Layer Sword Forest. The clash carried violent spiritual qi, forging ahead relentlessly. With every step, waves of sword qi surged and crashed in a frenzy. Amid the clangs, a ferocious streak of sword qi came straight for his head, only to be intercepted by his iron sword.
The second wave of sword qi rushed toward his back. Ji You sidestepped, parried with a direct thrust, and dispersed the attack. Yet, the relentless ferocity of the sword qi made his blood and qi churn ceaselessly within him.
“The killing intent within this sword dao is far too intense.”
“Isn’t this supposed to temper the disciples of Spirit Sword Mountain? Why does it feel like there’s no restraint at all?”
Ji You deflected the sword qi and paused amid the verdant depths of the bamboo forest, his brows slightly furrowed. The intent embedded in the sword qi reflected the wielder’s heart—the more turbulent the heart, the fiercer the sword intent.
From the First Layer Forest to the Second Layer Forest, Ji You had felt the unmistakable bloodlust of Elder Qi, as if the elder sought to claim lives rather than merely temper the spirit.
Without lingering on these thoughts, Ji You resumed his advance. No sooner had he taken a step than sword qi erupted from all directions. He tightened his grip on his long sword and weaved through the attacks, shifting his stances fluidly as he clashed with the relentless assaults of the forest’s sword qi.
The sword intent of the Second Layer Forest was indeed formidable. Even executing a few straightforward techniques felt overwhelmingly pressuring. It required an immense reservoir of spiritual qi to sustain his efforts.
Ji You’s spiritual qi surpassed that of ordinary cultivators, yet even he felt the strain. He now understood why many at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage had been trapped here for so long.
Elder Yan Ye of Heavenly Sword Peak once remarked that Ji You might not have the time to witness New Willow Color. What Elder Yan didn’t know was that Ji You’s spiritual qi reserves far exceeded expectations.
With a resonant slash, Ji You cleaved through the ocean of sword qi and entered the heart of the Second Layer Forest. He was known for using multiple swords in combat—a method some considered opportunistic. Yet, as he now wielded a single sword to capture the essence of sword feedback, he marveled at the profound intricacy of Spirit Sword Mountain’s sword dao.
Elder Qi was truly a cultivator who had devoted his life to the sword.
Buzz—
Ji You swung his sword, sending it whistling through the forest. His techniques flowed seamlessly, connecting into an unyielding circle of strikes that cut through the endless onslaught of sword qi. An hour passed, and he had only advanced five zhang. His chest heaved with exertion, steam rising as his blood and qi roiled like boiling water.
By now, Ji You could sense a formidable sword intent brewing deep within the bamboo forest, as though awaiting his arrival.
[This is starting to get exciting…]
Without a word, he raised his sword and pressed forward. A torrent of sword qi surged toward him, the gusts it stirred whipping his white robes into a frenzy. Each wave was brutally suppressed by his iron sword.
[Faster!]
[It must be even faster!]
Ji You’s sword danced relentlessly. He unlocked his spiritual apertures, absorbing and exhaling spiritual qi as he charged into the storm of sword qi. His own sword intent began to boil, rising fiercely toward the heavens, shaking the wind and rain.
The resounding clashes filled the forest with an unending symphony. Horizontal slashes, circular cuts, piercing thrusts, and swift arcs—hidden, lethal sword qi was crushed beneath his blade.
Then, a sharp sword chant rang out, echoing through the forest. Ji You saw an incomparably sharp blade soaring through the air—the guardian sword of the Second Layer Sword Forest, New Willow Color.
Unlike the oppressive might of Little Overlapping Mountain, New Willow Color exuded an extreme sharpness. The very sight of it made Ji You’s body shiver. He felt as though even the gentlest brush of this blade, akin to a breeze rustling through willows, could sever everything in its path.
At this moment, a surge of spiritual qi erupted from Ji You’s hand, enveloping his sword completely. He stepped forward and faced New Willow Color head-on. His countering strike was unyielding—blunt and heavy, like a towering mountain.
Opposing forces collided fiercely. Sword qi spiraled outward, spreading like ripples in a pond as their clash churned and settled repeatedly.
Rising, converging, falling. Rising, converging, falling.
Ji You’s sword intent roared ceaselessly. Meanwhile, five blades had risen in succession within the bamboo forest.
Had his blade not been wrapped in layers of dense spiritual qi, Ji You had no doubt that both his sword and his body would have been utterly shredded by New Willow Color’s unparalleled sharpness.