C12 Sima Shangqing

Lin Xi was jolted awake by the approach of a formidable Spiritual Force. As her eyes fell upon the woman beside her, she was momentarily taken aback by her beauty, which was beyond compare.

Yet, Lin Xi's wariness quickly took over. This woman had managed to appear undetected, indicating her strength was immeasurable.

“You are Lin Xi?” the woman inquired, her gaze fixed on her.

“Yes,” Lin Xi replied, nodding. “And you are?”

“I am Sima Shangqing, Yuen’s mentor,” the woman responded with a smile.

A shiver ran down Lin Xi’s spine, but she maintained her composure. “What brings you to me, Senior?”

“My disciple has spoken highly of your potential and suggested I take you under my wing,” Sima Shangqing said, appraising Lin Xi. “Your talent is quite impressive, but remember, there is always someone better out there.”

In a swift motion, Lin Xi’s right hand summoned a golden sword that thrust into the ground at Sima Shangqing’s feet. The Myriad Dao Sword Intent radiated from the blade, encasing Sima Shangqing in its power.

Sima Shangqing was transfixed by the golden sword at her side, seemingly entranced.

Lin Xi understood that to earn the acknowledgment of a Special Level Mentor, she needed to demonstrate her worth. Being a Sword Cultivator was not enough; true strength was what mattered.

Lin Xi recognized the necessity of the Celestial Azure Academy's platform at this juncture in her journey. Cultivation was akin to mountain climbing; the higher one ascended, the more arduous the path, and the resources needed were beyond imagination.

The Celestial Azure Academy could fulfill her needs, but only if she earned their approval.

Another pressing reason for Lin Xi was the need to secure a protector for the Lin family. The Celestial Azure Academy was clearly the optimal choice.

After a pause, Sima Shangqing finally spoke, “Impressive. I will take you as my disciple.”

Lin Xi responded, “I have one condition, however.”

Sima Shangqing, taken aback, then smiled warmly at Lin Xi. “Speak your mind.”

“I would ask that you assist in safeguarding the Lin family,” Lin Xi requested.

“Agreed,” Sima Shangqing replied with a smile. “But I have a condition of my own. You must marry Ye Yuen!”

Upon hearing those words, Lin Xi tensed up. She was in trouble.

It seemed likely that Ye Yuen had filled her mentor in on everything upon her return. The whole charade earlier was just to set the stage for making demands.

"Senior, I would ask that the princess consider such significant matters more carefully."

Sima Shangqing chuckled, "You cheeky boy, my Yuen is no less capable than you. Given Ye Yuen's unique constitution, she'll soon reach the Black Tortoise Stage. Your gap in abilities will only widen. Not only is her cultivation superior, but she's also quite the beauty..."

Lin Xi now understood why Sima Shangqing was Ye Yuen's master. The two were cut from the same cloth, both possessing a remarkable gift of gab.

"Alright, I agree to your terms."

Sima Shangqing's smile broadened. "However, once you're at Celestial Azure Academy, you'll need to diligently pursue her. By my estimation, if she attains the Spirit Sovereign Stage this year, Ye Yuen will be the student president of your cohort and will represent our academy at the Combined Examination held every ten years. She'll encounter even more exceptional individuals there, and Ye Yuen will only continue to excel. So, don't think you can take advantage of me."

"I recognize your talent, but that doesn't guarantee your future success. Put in the effort. I have high hopes for you and Ye Yuen together."

Lin Xi hadn't expected Sima Shangqing to consider so many angles.

Then, speaking earnestly, Sima Shangqing added, "Yuen has briefed me on the Burning Moon Forest incident, but I'd like to hear your account."

Lin Xi responded, "I was responsible for Su Ziyu's death. Jiang Yan was driven mad by his own demons and mistook Jiang Yimeng, who had come seeking him, for me, and killed her."

Sima Shangqing's expression remained unchanged, her smile faint. "If that's the case, how intriguing."

"I'll inspect the Burning Moon Forest myself. Get ready. In three days, I'll take you and Yuen to Celestial Azure Academy."

With that, Sima Shangqing vanished from Lin Xi's view. In an instant, she was hovering in the air, and then, with a streak of light, she was gone.

Lin Xi gazed at the lingering streak of light in the sky, her expression grave.

Sima Shangqing was incredibly powerful!

She was unfathomable.

Moments later, Lin Xi retrieved all her findings from the Storage Ring, although most of the Spirit Stones had been taken by Loong Yuv.

Before her now were six Demon King Rank Demonic Cores, the Demonic Core of the Flowing Bright Fire Spirit Elephant, two tusks, twelve thousand high-grade Spiritual Force Crystals, and thirteen thousand Space Spirit Stones.

This was indeed a fortune.

The six Demon King Rank Demonic Cores alone represented an unimaginable wealth.

Next came the costly process of burning money, as the Space Spirit Stones and high-grade Spirit Stones were ignited together.

Lin Xi activated the Myriad Dao Sword Case within her to absorb the energy.

Time passed, and by the middle of the night, the aura around Lin Xi began to shift dramatically.

Boom!

A powerful presence erupted from the Myriad Dao Sword Case inside Lin Xi. She opened her palm, and a surge of energy flowed out, revealing the Golden Myriad Dao Sword behind her, its brilliance intensifying.

Loong Yuv appeared in a flash beside Lin Xi, her attention fixed on the Myriad Dao Sword at Lin Xi's back.

"Lin Xi, I'm taking you into the tower," she announced.

A tidal wave of energy enveloped Lin Xi, and in an instant, she stood before the Holy Prison Tower.

Regaining her balance, Lin Xi exclaimed, "Not again! Why must it always be so sudden? A little warning would be nice."

Loong Yuv, unfazed, replied, "Today, I'm taking you to the first level of the Holy Prison Tower. This level, to be exact, poses no danger."

Lin Xi then turned her attention to the towering, dark edifice before her.

"The reason I've only prepared to bring you here now is that you need to have condensed your first Myriad Dao Sword to withstand the malevolent force emanating from the tower."

As Loong Yuv spoke, Lin Xi became increasingly aware of the chilling and dreadful Spiritual Force surrounding the tower. Yet, this force was repelled by the Myriad Dao Sword Intent, unable to make direct contact with Lin Xi's body.

"If you lack the Myriad Dao Sword Intent, you'll become prey to the creatures within the tower as you approach."

Lin Xi steeled her resolve.

"Alright, come with me."

With that, a massive black stone door slowly swung open before her.

Lin Xi followed Loong Yuv at a measured pace, the darkness enveloping her. Yet as sunlight from the outside world filtered in, she could discern the vastness of the space inside.

The first thing to catch Lin Xi's eye was an enormous furnace, flanked by several large hammers. Nearby stood a workbench strewn with various tools.

"I promised to teach you how to forge your Myriad Dao Sword from the intangible to the tangible," Loong Yuv reminded her.

"This will be your next task."

As he spoke, Loong Yuv soared away. "I've already transmitted the method to you."

After he finished speaking, Lin Xi experienced a sharp pain in her head, which quickly faded.

Watching Loong Yuv depart, she called out anxiously, "What about you? Aren't you going to stay and guide me?"

"Haha, I'd rather not turn into a dried-up husk," he replied.

Before Lin Xi could grasp his meaning, Loong Yuv had exited the Holy Prison Tower, and the massive stone door shut behind him.

Instantly, candles flared to life, illuminating the entire room.

The furnace that had made such an impression on Lin Xi now blazed with fire.

As the flames sprang to life, Lin Xi's clothes began disintegrating into ash.

In that moment, she fully absorbed the information Loong Yuv had imparted.

Staring into the furnace's flames, Lin Xi compared them to the newly acquired knowledge and bellowed in frustration,

"Loong Yuv! You've duped me once more!"

"Relax, a day outside equates to ten years in the tower. Your time is precious, so get to work, young man!"