Jìn Bǎo and Chu Feng walked deeper into the inner court.
The path tilted slightly uphill, guiding them toward the mountain ridge where the famous Sword Cliff resided. Even though they were still some distance away, the cliff's presence was undeniable.
Thin lines of sword intent drifted down like threads of moonlight, brushing against the skin with a cold, sharp chill—yet also carrying a tranquil calmness, like the still surface of a lake at dawn.
Chu Feng paused at an overlook.
From here, he could finally see it clearly:
A colossal wall of stone carved by a single sword mark, thick and impossibly deep— like the calligraphy of gods.
Even from afar, the cliff radiated silent dominance, like a slumbering titan.
Is this the legacy left by that mysterious man…?
Chu Feng closed his eyes, attempting to sense the sword's intent. It flickered faintly at his perception, elusive yet vast.
But he did not step closer.
"You can only gain anything from it when you step inside," Jìn Bǎo said, pointing toward the entrance. "And from what people say, once you get close… it feels like your soul might collapse."
Chu Feng shook his head. "Not yet."
Bidding farewell to Jìn Bǎo, he turned away.
Today, he had other matters to settle.
Identity Tag Upgrade
The inner court's registration hall was constructed from luminous marble and floating crystal tablets. Rows of disciples lined up while elders and formation disciples recorded their details with glowing brushes.
The moment Chu Feng stepped inside, several heads turned.
"Is that him…?""The one who defeated Qin Hao in one move!""He's even more handsome than the rumours said…"
Whispers trailed after him like shadows.
Chu Feng ignored them and walked calmly to the counter.
A stern-faced elder scanned him from head to toe, expression unreadable, before handing him a jade token inlaid with shimmering silver threads.
"This is your Inner Court Tag. It grants access to the Inner Court Library, training grounds, mission halls, and resource pagodas."
He paused, gaze sharp.
"Many students are eager to meet you. I believe you will be receiving challenges soon."
Chu Feng blinked.
The elder's lips curved into a thin, meaningful smile.
Chu Feng cupped his hands politely and left.
Residence Assignment
The dwelling distribution grounds were located on a serene plateau surrounded by drifting spiritual mist. Floating platforms displayed wooden plaques, each representing a cultivation residence in the inner peaks.
A white-robed disciple descended gracefully and bowed slightly.
"Junior Brother Chu Feng, please follow me. Due to your test results, your abode has been assigned to Azure Peak, one of the top five inner court mountains."
Azure Peak…
A mountain known for its tranquillity and dense spiritual qi. Only disciples with outstanding potential were privileged to live there.
Chu Feng nodded and followed.
Azure Peak rose above the clouds, its trees glowing softly with blue luminescence. Winds whispered through the leaves like murmurs of the heavens.
The attendant led him to a courtyard perched on a cliff edge. A carved stone gate opened, revealing:
A cultivation chamber reinforced with soul-stabilising formations, a meditation platform, a small spiritual spring releasing fragrant vapours, a bamboo pavilion for sword practice and a wooden room with simple but elegant furnishings
"This place…" Chu Feng murmured.
The attendant smiled. "Only disciples with extremely high potential receive such a courtyard."
After explaining the formation controls, he bowed and departed.
Chu Feng walked through the courtyard quietly, letting his heart settle.
Before settling in, he stopped by the Inner Court Garment Hall.
He was handed a set of new inner-court robes—white with black linings, simple yet elegant, with faint sword motifs embroidered along the sleeves.
When he put them on, his half-black, half-white hair contrasted sharply. He looked less like an ordinary disciple and more like a young master of those ancient sects.
Disciples openly stared as he passed.
"Who is that…?""That hairstyle…""He looks like someone from an ancient painting!""Quiet! That's Chu Feng!"
Chu Feng merely walked on.
Night slowly enveloped Azure Peak. Stars bloomed across the sky like scattered pearls, illuminating the mountain.
Chu Feng sat quietly in his courtyard, feeling the gentle flow of spirit wind around him.
His attention drifted toward the Sword Cliff—still humming faintly even in the dark.
A constant pulse, like a heartbeat, one could only hear when the world grew still.
Circulating his qi, he examined the remnants of his recent enlightenment. His body felt lighter, clearer—still adjusting to the cultivation seal his master had placed earlier.
But one thought would not leave him.
The Sword Cliff.
He opened his eyes.
If what Jìn Bǎo said is true…that cliff holds the legacy of the one who saved this sect with a single strike.
If so… perhaps I can find inspiration.Perhaps I can raise my sword intent.
The moon rose high. Lanterns flickered softly across the inner court. Most disciples meditated or slept.
The world was quiet.Still.Yet perfect.
Chu Feng stood.
"Just a look," he murmured.
He stepped out of his courtyard.
Night wind brushed past him, carrying faint sword tremors.
With silent steps, he walked toward the Sword Cliff.
Near the entrance, he paused—
Then continued forward, each step firm with determination.
As he approached the threshold, a vision suddenly flashed before him—a sword strike vast enough to split mountains descending toward his head.
His first-stage sword intent erupted instinctively, crackling from his body. The illusion shattered instantly, as if acknowledging his qualification.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
What a terrifying aura…
Drawing a steady breath, Chu Feng stepped inside.
Unwelcome Company
He hadn't even begun to observe his surroundings when he noticed them:
Two cloaked figures seated deeper inside the cliff, cultivating within the drifting sword intent.
Whispers he'd heard earlier echoed in his mind—
No one had ever reached the massive stone that bore the ancient sword mark. Some said the closer you walked, the farther it seemed. The sword stone appeared near… and yet impossibly far.
Chu Feng exhaled softly, ready to begin his own meditation—
When a cold voice snapped at him:
"Please leave."
Followed by another, sharper:
"Can't you see we're using this place?"
Hostility rippled through the air.
Chu Feng slowly opened his eyes.
The night at the Sword Cliff… had only just begun.