Following the direction indicated by the Cloud Knight, there was no sign of Yanqing.
"Does it seem like Lieutenant Yanqing isn't here?"
Before Guinaifen could finish speaking, a frost-blue shortsword hummed through the air, like a swallow that had lost its way.
As if sensing the group's intentions, it swiftly approached, circling them rapidly.
Stelle, eyes slightly widened, stared at the shortsword before her. "Some new mechanical bird?"
"This is Little Yanqing's personal sword. I saw him wield it during the Cloud Knights' martial drills," Sushang explained, pointing at the shortsword.
"I heard that Little Yanqing's weapon is a renowned creation from the Artisanship Commission, bonded with its master. When the master advances or dodges, the sword moves as if alive, never leaving their side."
"I get it—sword lives, person lives; sword gone, person gone." Stelle instinctively covered her mouth. "Could it be that Little Yanqing has already…"
"What are you even talking about?!" Sushang shook her head helplessly. "But he must have encountered some danger, right? That's why the sword came out to seek help."
Huohuo swallowed hard. "D-danger… Miss Sushang, don't scare me like that. With that genius boy's swordsmanship, what kind of monster could harm him?"
[Hahaha, Huohuo's trembling again.]
[She's trembling with some rhythm, though.]
[I thought Huohuo stopped shaking her legs, but here we go again.]
[Maybe Yanqing spooked her.]
Sushang spread her hands. "I don't know. After all, something weird like a heliobus— even the sharpest sword can't cut it, right?"
Guinaifen pressed her fist against her lips. "I have a theory, but I'm not sure if I should say it."
"Don't say anything inauspicious!"
"From what that Cloud Knight brother went through earlier, the danger might not be Yanqing himself, but…"
Stelle nodded thoughtfully. "Yanqing's become the danger…"
"Exactly."
Huohuo wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Follow that sword. No matter what, we need to find Little Yanqing before things get worse."
After a quick discussion, the ghost-hunting squad followed the sword's guidance to search for Yanqing's trail.
The path was littered with the corpses of Abundance abominations.
Sushang examined them briefly and determined they were all killed with a single strike to the throat, hitting vital points.
Seeing this, the group quickened their pace.
Eventually, they arrived at the ferry crossing to Scalegorge Waterscape. The waves churned fiercely, as if swords clashed in the wind.
The shortsword hovered in the air, pointing toward a distant spot on the Moonlit Sea.
What was once a clear scene now seemed shrouded in a thin layer of mist.
Huohuo looked in the direction the sword pointed. "This is the ferry port to Dragonprayer Terrace. From the sword's indication… Little Yanqing should be at Dragonprayer Terrace."
[Why Scalegorge Waterscape again?]
[LOL, feels like half the famous battles happen at Scalegorge Waterscape.]
[Scalegorge Waterscape is mainly where the Vidyadhara undergo rebirth. The Vidyadhara are probably like, 'Thanks, really!']
Meanwhile, Sushang stepped forward, positioning herself in front of the group.
"Are we really just charging in like this? Even without a heliobus possessing him, Little Yanqing is one of the top swordsmen among the Cloud Knights."
"ShangShang, you scared?" Sushang teased with a playful grin, though fear quickly crept back into her heart, and she grew more serious. "But this heliobus might be tougher than the ones before. It seems to have some serious tricks, and I'm pretty scared too."
"What are you talking about? My mom started teaching me swordsmanship as soon as I could walk. I may not compare to the general's prized student, but retreating in battle would disgrace the Cloud Knights' name and my family's swordsmanship. Still, I'm a bit afraid. If the heliobus in him goes berserk, I might not be able to protect you all."
"Since the Ten-Lords Commission's operation began, the general has always supported us from behind. It's time we repay him," Huohuo said, her words calming the group. She continued, "Even if not for that, as a judge, I can't let a heliobus take over this boy's body and make him commit mistakes he'll regret forever. Sushang, Miss Gui, Miss Stelle, please lend me your strength."
The other three looked at Huohuo and nodded with relief. If even Huohuo, who was so afraid, could step up bravely, what did they have to fear?
Soon, they boarded the ferry to Dragonprayer Terrace.
The scene shifts, transitioning to a new frame.
At Dragonprayer Terrace, countless flying swords circled the area, forming what looked like a sword array.
The group felt as though this place might not be the real world but an illusion.
"Illusion?"
A young boy stepped onto a flying sword and appeared before the four. He descended gracefully, as if strolling leisurely, with utmost elegance.
"If you can see it, doesn't that mean you've also fallen into the illusion?"
Yanqing smiled faintly. "No need to panic. To me, this sword array is a genuine treasure trove of martial knowledge. Just look up at any one of these swords, and thousands of techniques unfold before my eyes, endlessly expanding beyond everything Yanqing has ever known or learned. What's more, it seems to welcome all who seek a higher realm to come and glimpse its secrets."
Stelle's expression grew serious. "The heliobus is deceiving you."
"I know this is a mindscape conjured by the heliobus. The general sent me to assist the Ten-Lords Commission's operations, so I'm somewhat aware of your mission," Yanqing said with a light scoff, his heart brimming with pride. "These otherworldly flames have no good or evil—they're like a mirror. As long as one's heart remains clear, they won't be swayed. For example, right now, my mind is focused, and I see the potential to grow stronger from this sword array. Right, Teacher Apyra?"
"Apyra? The heliobus is named Apyra?"
Yanqing nodded, confirming Sushang's words. "Yes, Teacher Apyra promised to show me the flaws in my swordsmanship here and how to reach a higher level. That's why I brought Teacher Apyra to Dragonprayer Terrace. This is where Yanqing faced repeated setbacks."
[PointyBro: No need to thank me, don't @ me.]
[Hahaha, isn't this the place where the three bullies beat Yanqing into shape?]
[A person has five names, I fought three, and lost to them all.]
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the sword array.
"Young man, with me here, everything is different. Whether it's the Imbibitor Lunae, that Stellaron Hunter, or the woman who taught you sword techniques, your achievements will surpass them all, limitless."
[Hahaha, calling them out again, I'm dying.]
[I'm actually scared those three might just pop out of nowhere.]
Yanqing gazed at his sword, his eyes blazing with fervor. "Surpass them all, limitless… You all came at the perfect time. I've just gained some insights from the sword array. How about I use you as whetstones to test its edge?"
Yanqing formed a hand seal, and six flying swords materialized behind him. "Yanqing's skills are unrefined, and I've lost repeatedly… With Teacher Apyra's guidance, I must have improved!"
In an instant, the flying swords shot toward the group.
Fortunately, Stelle and Sushang reacted quickly. Stelle grabbed Huohuo, Sushang grabbed Guinaifen, and they dodged to either side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Safely repositioned, Huohuo adjusted the hat on her head. "W-what, why'd he suddenly start fighting?!"