Blessed Land

Five hundred years ago, the Heavenly Sword Sect was the most prominent sect in the southern region of the Youzhou Continent!

At that time, the Divine Sword Sect was unknown, with a mediocre sect leader and less than two thousand disciples, reduced to a subordinate sect of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

However, something happened later, and the Heavenly Sword Sect began to decline rapidly, both in reputation and strength, eventually becoming a small sect, barely holding onto its foundation.

It was during that time that the contemporary sect leader of the Divine Sword Sect conspired both internally and externally, swallowing many disciples and resources of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Over the next five hundred years, the Divine Sword Sect not only surpassed the Heavenly Sword Sect but also seemed to reverse the relationship from five hundred years ago!

Whether it was seeking to marry Su Xue or their deeper motives, it was all about turning the Heavenly Sword Sect into a subordinate of the Divine Sword Sect.

Of course, apart from this humiliation, the most important goal of the Divine Sword Sect was the blessed land of the Heavenly Sword Sect—Floating Cloud Mountain!

It is said that the bottom of Floating Cloud Mountain hided a massive spiritual vein, which filled the mountain with abundant spiritual energy.

From the outside, it appeared as large clusters of white clouds, forming various shapes, hence being named Floating Cloud Mountain.

Many years ago, the founding ancestor of the Heavenly Sword Sect chose to establish the sect here because he valued the abundant spiritual energy.

The effect was evident, as the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect excelled due to the far richer spiritual energy inside Floating Cloud Mountain compared to the outside world.

This directly led to the continuous emergence of talented disciples in the Heavenly Sword Sect over the years!

Even the cultivation speed of ordinary disciples far surpassed those of disciples from other sects.

There were even rumors that the so-called white clouds on Floating Cloud Mountain were formed by dense spiritual energy.

In the past, when the Heavenly Sword Sect was powerful, they didn’t mind the fame of their precious land spreading far and wide.

But now, with the decline of the Heavenly Sword Sect, this blessed land had become the coveted treasure of various factions.

The Divine Sword Sect was the first sect to reveal its fangs!

The innocent suffer for the guilty, and the reason why the Heavenly Sword Sect faced this crisis of annihilation, apart from past grievances, was the main cause.

At this moment, on the slopes of Floating Cloud Mountain in the Heavenly Sword Sect, Su Xue softly narrated these historical origins.

Ye Bai’s heart stirred, and he asked, “Eldest Senior Sister, does that mean if we cultivate here, our cultivation progress will be much faster than outside?”

Su Xue nodded slightly and said, “That used to be the case, but now the situation has changed. The spiritual energy of Floating Cloud Mountain is diminishing day by day.”

“So, does that mean this blessed land is of no use?” Ye Bai’s expression became peculiar.

A coldness flashed in Su Xue’s eyes as she said, “Yes, even if the Divine Sword Sect succeeds in their conspiracy, what they will obtain is just an ordinary piece of land, without any blessed land.”

Ye Bai fell silent, feeling somewhat disappointed. If the spiritual energy of Floating Cloud Mountain hadn’t encountered any problems, wouldn’t his cultivation progress be twice as fast here?

Coupled with his semi-saint cultivation technique, wouldn’t he be able to break through several realms in a day?

But soon, Ye Bai dismissed this thought, not because he found it too astonishing, but mainly because... it would be too painful.

His small physique couldn’t handle it yet.

Ye Bai made up his mind. Once this matter was settled, he must establish his position as a core disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Only then could he enjoy more resources and start tempering his body. With a stronger body, would cultivation still be a problem?

Su Xue seemed to have understood his thoughts and smiled slightly, saying, “Junior brother, there is no need for you to feel regretful. Although the spiritual energy here has become much thinner, it is still denser compared to the outside. As disciples, we should rely on our own efforts to overcome obstacles on the path of cultivation, rather than constantly relying on external forces. That is not a desirable approach.”

Ye Bai nodded solemnly and replied, “I understand, senior sister.”

In truth, he was somewhat skeptical. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of shortcuts? It’s just that not everyone is qualified to take those shortcuts.

However, it was precisely because of this that Su Xue felt delighted upon hearing his response. There was suddenly a sweet taste in her heart.

“My apologies, but it’s getting late. Let’s hurry up, junior brother.”

Instead of explaining, Su Xue quickened her pace.

The two of them walked ahead, and before long, they came across a cave. At the entrance, there was a pavilion where an elder sat, seemingly resting with his eyes closed.

“Stop!”

As Su Xue and Ye Bai approached, the elder opened his eyes.

Within his murky gaze, a glimmer of light flashed as he scanned Su Xue and then Ye Bai. He spoke, “You cannot enter.”

Ye Bai was momentarily stunned, only then realizing that it seemed one could only enter this Floating Cloud Mountain after reaching the third level of Qi Condensation. He did not know Floating Cloud Mountain before this.

Su Xue quickly paid her respects and respectfully said, “Elder Zhou, junior brother Ye’s cultivation has already reached the third level of Qi Condensation, granting him the qualification to enter.”

Ye Bai also hurriedly paid his respects. Although the elder appeared ordinary while sitting there, when he awakened, an overwhelming pressure made it difficult for Ye Bai to catch his breath.

This elder’s cultivation was absolutely terrifying!

With a cold snort, the elder said indifferently, “By sacrificing your body and meridians to enhance your cultivation, young girl, you must take responsibility for your actions and not stray from the right path.”

“Yes, Elder Zhou!” Ye Bai’s heart tightened, and he quickly replied.

Elder Zhou closed his eyes again, swaying the folding fan in his hand, and slowly said, “Su Xue, explain the rules here to him. Alright, you may enter now.”

“Thank you, Elder Zhou!”

Su Xue felt delighted and respectfully paid her respects once again before leading Ye Bai into the cave.

As they walked away, Elder Zhou opened his eyes once more, but this time, there was a clear sense of doubt in his gaze.

“This lad’s aura is long-lasting, and his cultivation is solid, but his meridians are injured everywhere. What could be the reason for this?”

...

...

Upon entering the cave, Ye Bai finally breathed a sigh of relief. He felt that this world was truly dangerous. With just one glance, the other person had already seen through him completely.

If someone with even greater strength were to appear, would they be able to see through the little golden figure in his sea of consciousness with just a glance?

If that were the case, it would be incredibly dangerous!