C21 Cry of the Eight Mystic Blades

Ouyang Tian watched the haughty figure atop the Stormwatch Platform. Despite feeling some anger, he had to temporarily hold back his fury due to the individual's status. He spoke in a grave tone, "Young Master Hee truly lives up to his heritage as the scion of a top family in the Starmoon Kingdom. To have reached the eighth level of the Returning to Origin Stage at such a young age is impressive. Apart from a few core disciples who are still in seclusion, I doubt there are many who could rival you."

Ouyang Tian was wary of the young man's backing but skillfully steered the conversation away. The youth's stern eyebrows lifted with interest as he responded, "So, the ones in seclusion within your sect must be quite formidable?"

"You won't be disappointed by them," Ouyang Tian replied coolly, implying that they were every bit as strong as Young Master Hee.

The youth burst into laughter, disregarding the hostile looks from those around him. He descended from the Stormwatch Platform and addressed Ouyang Tian, "Mr. Ouyang, I've heard that your sect's disciple assessment is just a few days away. Presumably, the individuals you've mentioned will emerge from their seclusion by then. I'll look forward to meeting them."

"If it's not too much trouble for you, Young Master Hee, you're welcome to stay at our sect in the meantime. Elder Ku Yun will take care of your accommodations," Ouyang Tian offered, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes as he glanced at an elder nearby.

The youth gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. His smile then waned, and he spoke with a cooler edge, "Mr. Ouyang, I've heard rumors of my good-for-nothing cousin being killed?"

Ouyang Tian's eyebrows arched inquisitively as he turned to the elder beside him. The other elders shook their heads in response. The cousin in question was merely an Outer Sect disciple, hardly the sort to draw their attention.

Finally, Xiaomu, standing at a distance, came forward and reported, "Indeed, he fell victim to a rogue who conspired with outsiders. I intended to apprehend the culprit, but Mr. Lan from Cloud-Veiled Peak intervened on his behalf."

Ouyang Tian cast a sidelong glance at Xiaomu, aware that the words were intended for his ears as well. Clearing his throat, he inquired, "What do you mean by colluding with outsiders?"

Upon hearing the question, Xiaomu relayed the conclusions reached by Lin Beikong and Xiaoqiong.

"Oh? Mr. Lan?" the youth murmured to himself, his gaze drifting toward Cloud-Veiled Peak in the distance. His eyes sparkled sharply. After a brief silence, he scoffed, "Since Mr. Lan is vouching for him, I'll extend this courtesy. But it only lasts until the day of the sect's assessment. At that time, I expect you to hand over that youngster. No matter how unworthy my cousin may be, he is still of the Hee family."

Narrowing his eyes, Ouyang Tian responded coolly, "If he is indeed guilty, rest assured I will handle it. Elder Ku Yun, please see to Young Master Hee's accommodations. He has traveled a great distance and should not be disturbed in his weary state."

A glint of ice flashed in the young man's eyes before he burst into laughter, "I appreciate the assistance."

With that, he strode off the Stormwatch Platform, Elder Withered Cloud checking Ouyang Tian's expression before quickly following.

Just then, a crisp echo of a sword's cry resonated from deep within the Azureon mountain range, causing a subtle ripple in the sky. Ouyang Tian and the others looked on with slight changes in their expressions, exclaiming, "The Cry of the Eight Mystic Blades? Who could it be? Who has grasped the Cry of the Eight Mystic Blades?"

As his words trailed off, another sword's cry rang out. The resonant sounds—like clashing metal and charging steeds, mingled with clear and mysterious tones—echoed across the Order of the Celestial Veil. The sky's ripples transformed, seemingly revealing various sword's wills, sending shivers down everyone's spines. Even the previously arrogant youth wore a grave expression as he intently watched the direction from which the sword's cries originated.

"Someone! Head to the Edge of Forever and investigate!" With the command issued, several figures sped away.

Amidst the desolation, the Stone Sword vibrated with resonance. Chu Haoyun sat cross-legged, delving into the various sword's wills, as intangible imprints in his mind reassembled themselves. He became so engrossed that he lost all sense of time. As moments slipped by, the eight Stone Swords gradually vanished, and the barren landscape gave way to an ancient cave.

Within the cave, the stone walls were lined with grooves of all sizes, housing an array of items: weapons, paintings, skills, and odd treasures. An elderly man lay quietly on an antique armchair, observing Chu Haoyun, who had once again entered a deep meditative state, his eyes twinkling with an unusual gleam.

"The Cry of the Eight Mystic Blades! Who would have thought that, after centuries, the first to awaken the sword's will would be a youngster at the eighth level of Body Forging?" The old man's smile was tinged with a touch of bitterness, yet there was a hint of contentment in his voice. He paused, his aged face breaking into a smile of surprise. "He's broken through? Advanced straight to the peak of the ninth level of Body Forging? This kid..."

At this, the old man focused intently on Chu Haoyun's aura, his smile stiffening. He murmured in disbelief, "How can this be? At just the ninth level of Body Forging, his body already possesses an elementary force not inferior to the first level of Returning to Origin?"

It took a while for the old man to compose himself. Standing up, he appraised Chu Haoyun as if admiring a flawless work of art. He marveled, "I can't fathom how that old fellow had such foresight. This time, the Celestial Key has truly found its mark."

The attire of an Outer Sect disciple on Chu Haoyun made it clear that his presence here was likely due to possessing the Celestial Key.

As Chu Haoyun became aware of the three silken rings orbiting the Glimmering Soul Orb within him, he slowly came to. Opening his eyes, he saw the old man circling around him, looking as though he had stumbled upon an undiscovered land, a gaze that sent an involuntary chill through Chu Haoyun.

"Alright?" The elder stepped forward, grasping Chu Haoyun's wrist with his calloused hand. As he infused a surge of elementary force into Chu Haoyun, he could only gauge the level of elementary force within him, unable to truly perceive the state of his Qi Sea. Chu Haoyun struggled to break free, but to no avail.

After a moment, the elder released him and chuckled, "Young man, I'm quite astonished that someone with the strength of the eighth level of Body Forging has managed to reach the first two thousand and two hundred steps! You must be familiar with the rules since you've made it this far. Hand over the Celestial Key to me!"

Chu Haoyun, momentarily taken aback, scratched his head in bewilderment and asked, "Does this mean I've passed the test?"

"Nonsense!" the elder retorted, rolling his eyes and attempting to maintain an air of wisdom. "Otherwise, how could you possibly be standing before me?"

"Alright!" Chu Haoyun responded promptly, handing over the Celestial Key without hesitation before adding, "I'm in need of a Rejuvenation Pill. Is it possible for you to provide one?"

"A Rejuvenation Pill?" The elder looked at him quizzically, reassessing him. "Your meridians seem fine. Why do you need a Rejuvenation Pill?"

Chu Haoyun answered candidly, "My friend was betrayed, leaving his main meridians completely severed. He needs the Rejuvenation Pill to mend them."

The elder appeared taken aback, as it was rare for someone to seek aid for another rather than for themselves, especially for an Outer Sect disciple to willingly relinquish the Celestial Key.

"Your friend must also be a prodigy, right? What's his strength like?" the elder inquired, probing further.

"He's at the peak of the eighth level of Body Forging."

The elder furrowed his brow and asked with a hint of hesitation, "Are you certain you want to trade the Celestial Key for a Rejuvenation Pill?"

Chu Haoyun nodded resolutely, affirming, "The Celestial Key holds no practical value for me. If it can be used to save my friend's life, then it will have served its purpose."

A twinkle of amusement appeared in the old man's eyes as he tucked away the Celestial Key. With a wry smile and a tone of contentment, he conceded, "Well then, I shall grant your request."

He flipped his hand, and a delicate little jade bottle materialized in his palm. Tossing it to Chu Haoyun, he remarked offhandedly, "Inside are three Rejuvenation Pills. Consider the extra two as a token of my appreciation for the joy you've brought me today."

Chu Haoyun, puzzled by his words, nonetheless bowed respectfully and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your generosity, Elder Feng."

"Just call me Fengzhi," the old man said, nodding with a chuckle.

"Fengzhi? But how do I leave this place?" Chu Haoyun surveyed his surroundings with a slight grimace. Enclosed by stone walls, there was no apparent way out.