C15 Talking

The longevity of Swiftbreaker is, in part, due to its favorable relations with other families. The Yu family, despite its declining influence, has consistently provided promising recruits to Swiftbreaker over the years. Out of respect and reason, the elders have maintained a courteous relationship with these smaller clans within allowable boundaries.

Yu Yaolu, a member of the Inner Sect, was somewhat known to the elders. He lacked ambition, spent his days forming factions, and had a knack for causing trouble, instilling fear in some members of the Outer Sect.

Recently, word spread that he had been disciplined by someone, which to the elders was neither a minor incident nor a major concern. Yu Yaolu held a decent position within the Yu family, and although the elders had shown patience, they didn't anticipate someone else stepping in to teach him a lesson.

With the situation resolved, the elders felt obliged to provide an explanation to the Yu family. However, with the emergence of a prodigy within the Yu family, Yu Yaolu's significance was likely diminished.

For a small family, status is secondary; what truly matters is whether the family can produce an individual of exceptional talent to bring honor to their name.

It's been years since the Yu family has had an Elder's personal disciple, which has elevated their standing among similar small families.

"I suspect this disciple's acceptance will be a cause for celebration for the Yu family."

All eyes were glued to the stage, anticipating that the announcement of the trial results would soon stir significant excitement.

"And now, looking ahead, the trial in ten days seems rather lackluster," chuckled one observer, stroking his beard.

The sentiment was shared among the crowd. Lu Xingyao's remarkable performance had overshadowed the elders' anticipation for the upcoming Outer Sect selection.

Moreover, Outer Sect disciples, often less gifted, were considered fortunate to advance more than ten steps. Coupled with their involvement in numerous complex tasks, their time for cultivation was severely limited, leaving few willing to dedicate themselves to the rigorous training.

Completing tasks in exchange for rewards is an excellent option for those who are content with a simple life or wish to live out their days in peace.

Fu Chengyang was deep in meditation in his room when he suddenly opened his eyes, sensing something and gazing toward the direction of the Sky Stairway.

The Sky Stairway was now entirely sealed, impenetrable even to birds. Several potent consciousnesses within the Inner Sect stirred and turned their attention toward the stairway.

Forty-five... Fifty-five... Sixty!

Lu Xingyao was struggling with her current predicament. Each step she took caused the powerful energy within her to swell, bringing with it a feeling both familiar and foreign, accompanied by a sense of emptiness. The emptier she felt, the more irresistible her urge to ascend and seek answers became.

Like a parched traveler relentlessly searching for a well to quench their thirst, she pressed on.

The higher she climbed, the heavier her body felt, yet her soul seemed to lighten dramatically.

Unbeknownst to her, her sea of consciousness had expanded. She was no longer navigating solely with her physical body but was using her sea of consciousness to probe the mysterious path ahead.

She now walked among the clouds, ethereal as the wisps that swirled around her. A profound sensation unfurled within her, hinting that if she continued, something momentous might occur.

She was drawn to this anticipation, this allure, as gentle breezes caressed her, infusing her with an ineffable sense of comfort.

The peaks around her were shrouded in mist, emerald touches adorning the cloudscape. Birds soared high above, and the setting sun dipped toward the horizon. This was a vista unseen by the common eye, a fortunate encounter beyond the reach of ordinary folk.

"...Seventy!"

The elders looked on, eyes wide with astonishment, unable to believe the spectacle before them.

Even the typically jesting young elder paused, struck by a fleeting sense of awe.

This young woman's potential was beyond measure!

One elder's hand shook as he reached for something on the table, but he couldn't manage to grasp it, his anticipation palpable.

"Could she possibly reach the 99th step?"

This question lingered in the minds of all the elders, and the formidable wills that had arisen within the Swiftbreaker Sect were equally alert, watching the developments on the stairway with rapt attention.

"Oh? Someone has made it to the seventy-seventh step? That is indeed a rarity."

Conversations echoed in the depths of the cave.

"That young man's cultivation level only reached the sixty-fourth step, and all he gave us was a spectacle to watch."

The speaker was a woman, her voice tinged with interest yet unmistakably cool.

But her words were quickly challenged by an aged voice that brooked no argument, "The end has not yet come. We cannot rush to judgment. To ascend seventy-seven steps in one breath is truly the work of a divine being."

"Even if I don't get the chance to meet you, I'll offer some guidance after this trial. Waking you was a twist of fate."

"So Elder Yan has taken an interest in her. Why not summon her directly after the trial? Wouldn't personal instruction from you be far superior to leaving it to chance?"

Despite the low murmur of voices within the cavern, anyone who entered would be utterly perplexed.

The cave appeared empty, yet a multitude of voices permeated the still air from every direction.

"We must adhere to the sect's rules; they cannot be broken here," came a voice laced with a hint of teasing, "The Inner Sect elders must be beside themselves with impatience. In ten more steps, this young woman will no longer require their tutelage."

"Speaking of which, Senior Brother is still in seclusion. Are we certain there won't be any issues with subsequent matters?"

"If you're referring to that particular issue, have faith in him. He's sure to break through to the Upper Realm before he emerges, or else it will spell disaster for the entire Swiftbreaker Sect!"

"However, if her talent proves to be exceptional, nurturing her could indeed serve as a temporary solution to fill the void..." The powerful consciousnesses contemplated Lu Xingyao, who was making her way up the Sky Stairway with steadfast determination.

"What are you suggesting? By the time she's trained to that level, it may already be too late." After a brief dialogue, the powerful presences lapsed back into silence.

Meanwhile, on the Sky Stairway, Lu Xingyao clenched her jaw and took another arduous step forward.

The environment around her shifted abruptly, transforming into a piercing, icy snowstorm.

The relentless ice blades scraped against her body, marking her pale skin with trails of blood.

Oddly enough, even when it appeared she couldn't possibly move forward, Lu Xingyao continued to defy expectations and do the unexpected.

Take, for instance, her current feat: she had just reached the ninety-fifth step. Everyone was holding their breath, fully aware of the immense significance that crossing the ninety-ninth step would represent!