Inside the Cangqiong Alliance's discussion hall, dozens of cultivators gathered together.
Duan Changjian stood in the main position, the Longyuan Sword in his hand flashing with cold light, his gaze sweeping across everyone in the hall as he said gravely: "Everyone, the sect ultimate technique mission materials have been fully prepared. The trial missions will take two months, and experts from each sect can return to their sects to comprehend the ultimate techniques."
A murmur of voices immediately rose in the hall.
"Two months?" Xuesha Ren frowned deeply, "That's not a short time."
Duan Changjian nodded: "Indeed. But sect ultimate techniques are the essence of each sect's inheritance, and comprehension requires time. After two months, we will make further decisions."
Yuyi stood in a corner, his expression calm. But in his heart, he was calculating: the mission clues for the Nirvana Sword Art must be acted upon quickly.
"Regarding the Hu Family Saber Art," Duan Changjian continued, "the ownership will be decided through a saber martial arts competition. Mochen, you are responsible for this matter."
Mochen stepped forward and cupped his hands: "This subordinate obeys."
After the meeting ended, Yuyi quickly walked toward Mochen.
"Brother Yuyi," Mochen smiled, "are you interested in the Hu Family Saber Art mission?"
Yuyi nodded: "Indeed I am."
Mochen took out a yellowed secret manual from his storage ring and handed it to Yuyi: "This is the Hu Family Saber Art manual. If you already have it, it will automatically overwrite."
Yuyi accepted the manual, his divine sense probing into it, and indeed found the saber art essence recorded within. He was secretly pleased, but his expression remained unchanged: "Thank you, Brother Mochen."
Mochen waved his hand: "No need for courtesy. By the way, I heard you are looking for clues to the Nirvana Sword Art?"
Yuyi's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm: "I only heard about it, I didn't take it seriously."
Mochen smiled: "If such a sword art truly exists, it would certainly be a heaven-shaking existence. However, there is a rumor in the Youming Desert that an ancient sword cultivator's inheritance is hidden there."
A flash of light crossed Yuyi's eyes: "Youming Desert?"
"Exactly." Mochen said, "But it is full of dangers, with flowing sand formations everywhere and demonic beasts roaming. Brother Yuyi, if you go, you must be careful."
Yuyi cupped his hands in thanks, turned, and left.
Three days later, in the Youming Desert.
The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and yellow sand filled the air. Yuyi, wearing the Shadow Dharma Robe, moved between sand dunes. He had been searching in this desert for two days, but had found no clues.
"Damn it," Yuyi cursed inwardly, "could the rumor be false?"
Just then, a spiritual power fluctuation came from behind a sand dune ahead.
Yuyi's figure flashed, hiding in the shadow of the sand dune. He saw a red-robed woman walking out from an underground cave dwelling ahead, holding an ancient secret manual in her hand.
Xueji!
Yuyi's pupils contracted. Xueji was the number one among Tianyin Pavilion's top ten experts, with formidable strength, definitely not an easy opponent.
Xueji seemed to sense something, her red lips curving slightly as she smiled: "Since you've come, why not show yourself?"
Yuyi's heart sank, knowing he had been discovered. He slowly walked out of the shadows and cupped his hands: "Miss Xueji, it's been a while."
Xueji played with the secret manual in her hand, a teasing look flashing in her eyes: "Yuyi, are you looking for this?"
Yuyi's gaze fell on the secret manual, and he already understood somewhat: "That is..."
"The Nirvana Sword Art." Xueji smiled, "Unfortunately, I've already taken it."
Yuyi's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged: "Miss Xueji has impressive methods."
Xueji put away the secret manual and said: "Yuyi, you and I have no conflict. Let's pretend today's matter never happened. How about that?"
Yuyi fell silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Very well."
Xueji smiled beautifully, her figure transforming into red light, disappearing into the sky.
Yuyi gazed in the direction she had left, a shadow crossing his eyes. The Nirvana Sword Art had slipped through his fingers just like that.
Meanwhile, at the Zhongzhou City Imperial Palace.
Shaying, wearing Youming Sect disciple attire, followed Lingxiao in infiltrating the palace. Lingxiao held the Xuantie Heavy Sword, his gaze like lightning, heading straight for Qin Hui's sleeping quarters.
"Miss Shaying," Lingxiao said in a low voice, "you are responsible for outer perimeter security. I will go take Qin Hui's head."
Shaying nodded, her figure hiding in the shadows.
Lingxiao infiltrated the sleeping quarters, and moments later, screams came from inside. Shaying's heart tightened, and just as she was about to rush in, she saw Lingxiao walking out with Qin Hui's head.
"Let's go!" Lingxiao shouted in a low voice.
The two flew up, heading straight out of the palace. However, just as they exited the palace gates, they were surrounded by dozens of imperial guards.
"Don't let them escape!" the imperial guard commander shouted in rage.
Lingxiao sneered, swinging his Xuantie Heavy Sword, sword qi crisscrossing, and several imperial guards fell immediately. Shaying also drew her long sword, fighting side by side with Lingxiao.
Just then, a white figure descended from the sky.
Xueying!
She wore white robes, descending like a fairy, her long sword flashing with cold light.
"Guo'er," Xueying said gently, "I've come to help you."
A look of joy crossed Lingxiao's eyes: "Long'er!"
Xueying and Lingxiao's twin swords combined, sword light like a rainbow, instantly cutting a bloody path. Though the imperial guards were numerous, they could not stop the two's sharp edge.
Shaying followed behind the two, her heart shaken. This was the legendary twin sword combination—its power was truly astonishing!
The three fought their way out of the palace, heading straight for Duanqing Cliff.
On Duanqing Cliff, Lingxiao and Xueying stood side by side, watching the sunset sink in the west.
"Miss Shaying," Lingxiao turned and said, "thank you for your assistance in this mission. Here is your reward."
Saying this, he handed Shaying three secret manuals.
Shaying accepted them and saw they were the Clear Heart Sword Art, the Left-Right Mutual Combat technique, and the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra.
"This..." Shaying said in surprise, "is too valuable."
Lingxiao smiled: "You helped me avenge my hatred, these techniques rightfully belong to you. However, the Clear Heart Sword Art has harsh cultivation conditions, requiring you to maintain your virginity. You should consider carefully."
Shaying nodded in thanks.
Xueying also said: "Miss Shaying, if there is an opportunity, you can come find me at the Youming Sect."
Shaying thanked them again, turned, and left.
On her return journey, Shaying encountered several cultivators lying in ambush. Just as she was about to fight, two sword lights descended from the sky.
Lingxiao and Youying!
"Miss Shaying," Lingxiao smiled, "we've come to help you!"
The three joined forces and quickly repelled the enemies.
Lingxiao gazed at Shaying, an unusual light flashing in his eyes. This woman, cold as the moon yet resilient as bamboo, made his heart fill with admiration.
But Shaying did not notice Lingxiao's gaze, only thanking him before hurriedly leaving.
Lingxiao watched her retreating figure, secretly vowing in his heart: One day, I will make her remember me.