All-Under-Heaven Era, Year of the Vast Sky, 12th year after 100,000 years since the rise of the First Golden Dragon and Phoenix.
At the Summit of Ten Thousand Peaks, the five major clans gathered. Lanterns swayed in the morning breeze, incense smoke curled upward, and disciples from every corner of the martial world offered thanks for harvests, protection, and health.
The Xing Clan Patriarch, Xing Zhenyu, stood atop the central dais. His presence alone silenced the crowd. Raising his hands, he recited a poetic blessing:
“The heavens watch over all, the earth nurtures the strong;54Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe82EapFTh
May virtue guide the weak, honor uphold the mighty;54Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlel0iZcwJV
Let swords sing in harmony, and bloodlines flourish;54Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTvFsS0X5X
Today, we give thanks — for life, for strength, for the legacy that binds us all.”
The crowd bowed in awe, the air heavy with respect.
The night before, Lánhào had pulled Hánzhèn aside:54Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbqMbjTfbW
“Ah Zhen, tomorrow, come to the Summit. The house will be empty—I will meet you there.”54Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJoj6JbIdd
Hánxu nodded, excitement and fear warring in his chest.
At dawn, he arrived at the summit, hiding behind a cluster of rocks. From afar, he saw the grandeur: banners of Sheng, Feng, Huo, Long, and Xing Clan fluttering majestically.
Suddenly, Sheng Clan’s 7-petal prodigy, Sheng Kaixuan, spotted the beggar boy observing. A cruel smirk appeared.
“Look at this trash wandering here… dare he watch the glory of the Sheng?” Kaixuan taunted, lunging at him.
Before the first blow could land, a graceful figure appeared: Xing Liuyue, Bīngyàn Zūn, the Xing Patriarch’s second son. His twin swords glimmered in the morning light:
Frostbane (Bīng Jué) — Ice Sword
Flameheart (Yàn Hún) — Flame Sword
A hushed awe rippled through the crowd.
Gossip Among Commoners
“That’s Xing Liuyue… Bīngyàn Zūn! Guardian of the Martial World! The founder of Dual Sword Cultivation!”
“Dual Sword Cultivation… only a true genius can control two swords simultaneously, merging aura into a living force!”
“The Xing Clan is born with sword aura. They put it into swords using the Song family’s craft. Even if the owner dies, the sword lives — but locks itself from anyone else!”
“When the aura merges fully, dragons and phoenixes themselves tremble. That’s why no one dares challenge them.”
“I heard Xing Patriarch’s brother, Xing Lianchen, married the Tianlong Sect Matriarch, Tianlong Yuhuan— she carries both the First Golden Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines!”
“No wonder the Tianlong Sect is untouchable… their alliance is as old as the heavens themselves.”
“I heard the Tianlong Sect was founded by the first Golden Dragon who had once been cast out… the same one married to the First Golden Phoenix. Their bloodline is legendary, and their heirs… oh, the world will remember them.”
Liuyue’s eyes fell on Kaixuan, whose confidence faltered in the presence of the Guardian of the Martial World. Hanxu, hidden behind rocks, felt awe and fear wash over him. Somewhere, Lánhào’s hand briefly waved at him from the crowd — a reminder of friendship amidst the grandeur.
ns216.73.216.13da2
and then Add to home screen.