Chapter 1030
Receiving Guidance in the Immortal Realm
The Qingyun Sect is nestled among rolling peaks, verdant and shrouded in mist. Yang Ling arrived at the sect gate and encountered two gatekeeper disciples. The two wore azure Taoist robes and carried long swords at their waists. Upon seeing Yang Ling, they stepped forward to inquire.
"This is the Qingyun Sect. What brings you here?" a disciple asked.
Yang Ling smiled calmly, cupped his hands and said, "I am Yang Ling, and I have come to pay my respects to your sect leader, hoping to receive your guidance."
The two disciples exchanged a glance and, seeing that Yang Ling was composed and unlike ordinary people, led him into the sect.
Inside the Qingyun Sect, pavilions and towers were scattered about, streams babbled, and flowers and plants were planted everywhere, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere. Yang Ling followed the disciples through the sect and, seeing that all the disciples here possessed remarkable cultivation, secretly admired them.
Before long, they arrived at a magnificent palace. The palace gates were decorated with soaring dragons and flowing clouds, giving it a solemn and sacred appearance. A disciple led Yang Ling into the palace, where he saw an elderly man with white hair sitting inside. He was none other than the head of the Qingyun Sect—Master Yunxiao.
Master Yunxiao, dressed in a plain white Daoist robe, leaned against a long sword, his gaze sharp as he scanned Yang Ling. He slowly spoke, "So you are Yang Ling? I've heard of your considerable cultivation, and you've come to my Qingyun Sect to inquire?"
Yang Ling cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said, "This junior, Yang Ling, once received guidance in the Immortal Realm and hopes to further improve my cultivation under the tutelage of a True Person."
Master Yunxiao smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Excellent! Your ability to enter the Immortal Realm shows your extraordinary talent. My Qingyun Sect is in dire need of disciples with exceptional abilities. If you are willing, I can teach you a profound sword technique."
Yang Ling was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude: "This junior is extremely grateful and wishes to become a disciple of the Qingyun Sect."
Master Yunxiao immediately stood up, took out an ancient sword manual from behind him, and handed it to Yang Ling: "This is the treasure of my Qingyun Sect - the 'Cloud Sea Sword Manual'. If you can understand its profound mysteries, you can master the sword technique."
Yang Ling took the sword manual and was deeply moved by the vast sword intent it contained. Knowing that this was a rare opportunity, he immediately began to study it diligently.
In the days that followed, in addition to studying the "Cloud Sea Sword Scripture," Yang Ling also frequently sparred with masters of the Qingyun Sect. His swordsmanship became increasingly refined, and sometimes he could even draw upon the surrounding spiritual energy to create streaks of sword energy.
One day, while Yang Ling was cultivating in the mountains, he suddenly sensed a powerful spiritual wave rippling through the forest. He immediately put down his sword and followed the direction of the wave.
Soon, he arrived at a secluded valley, where he saw a woman in red standing with her eyes closed, cultivating. The surrounding spiritual energy flowed into her body like a whirlwind.
Yang Ling was secretly amazed, knowing that this woman's cultivation was profound, so he did not dare to disturb her easily and watched quietly from the side.
A moment later, the woman opened her eyes, a look of surprise flashing across her face when she saw Yang Ling: "Who are you? Why have you trespassed into my cultivation area?"
Yang Ling smiled calmly and bowed, saying, "I am Yang Ling, a disciple of the Qingyun Sect. I came to investigate because I sensed that the spiritual energy here was abnormal. Please forgive me if I have offended you."
The woman in red frowned slightly as she sized up Yang Ling, seemingly trying to figure out his intentions. After a moment, her expression softened, and she slowly said, "I am Senior Sister Dan Yan of the Crimson Cloud Sect. As a member of the Azure Cloud Sect, you should know the rules of the martial world and should not disturb others' cultivation at will."
Yang Ling nodded in agreement: "Senior Sister Dan Yan is absolutely right. Yang Ling's actions were indeed inappropriate. I hope you will forgive me." Dan Yan smiled coldly, scrutinizing Yang Ling with her eyes, as if searching for his weakness. Then she said leisurely: "Since you're here, why not give it a try? The cultivation methods of my Crimson Cloud Sect are not easily revealed, but if I can gain something from you, then this trip will not have been in vain."
As soon as he finished speaking, Dan Yan's figure flashed, like a red cloud streaking across the sky. The longsword in his hand instantly transformed into hundreds of sword beams, pointing directly at Yang Ling. His movements were incredibly swift, as if all the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered at the tip of the sword, bursting forth with dazzling brilliance.
Yang Ling dared not be negligent and quickly drew his sword to meet the attack. As the sword light flowed, it transformed into wisps of cloud-like sword intent, meeting Dan Yan's offensive. The two sword lights intertwined, forming a dazzling radiance. The flowers, grass, and trees in the valley swayed and trembled under the fluctuation of this power.
Surprise flashed in Dan Yan's eyes, clearly not expecting Yang Ling's swordsmanship to be so exquisite. She turned around, transforming into a crimson light and shadow, swiftly circling behind Yang Ling, her longsword silently piercing towards his back.
Sensing the danger behind him, Yang Ling's spiritual energy surged violently. He glided lightly on his feet, using the Qingyun Sect's lightness skill, "Cloud Shadow Step," and instantly vanished from his original spot, reappearing several feet away. His movements were as ethereal as flowing clouds, making them elusive and difficult to grasp.
Seeing this, Dan Yan's eyes revealed admiration. She smiled gently and said, "Yang Ling, your lightness skill and swordsmanship are both unique. No wonder you were able to receive guidance in the Immortal Realm. However, if you want to learn more from me, we may need to have a deeper exchange."
Having said that, Dan Yan waved his sleeves, and the surrounding spiritual energy seemed to be under his control, condensing into a giant fire phoenix that pounced towards Yang Ling. The fire phoenix spread its wings, flames surged, and its power was terrifying.
Yang Ling knew that such spiritual techniques were extraordinary, so he immediately activated the spiritual energy of the "Cloud Sea Sword Scripture," and the longsword in his hand transformed into streams of sword energy, forming layers of sword nets to protect his body. The sword nets clanged under the impact of the fire phoenix, but remained as solid as a mountain and were not breached.
Seeing that Yang Ling could withstand the fire phoenix's attack, Dan Yan's eyes flashed with seriousness. She changed her figure again, transforming into several crimson phantoms, attacking Yang Ling from different directions at the same time.
Yang Ling was now completely immersed in his swordsmanship, his mind and sword intent becoming one, and he could see through Dan Yan's attacks perfectly. His swordsmanship gradually shifted from defense to offense, each strike imbued with the power of heaven and earth, directly targeting Dan Yan's weaknesses.
The two fought fiercely, their swords flashing and flames clashing, turning the valley into a battlefield. But as time went on, Yang Ling's swordsmanship became increasingly skillful, while Dan Yan showed signs of fatigue.
Finally, in a moment of swordplay, Yang Ling's sword lightly touched Dan Yan's shoulder, leaving a shallow mark. Knowing he had lost, Dan Yan slowly sheathed his sword and bowed to Yang Ling.
Yang Ling sheathed his sword and returned the salute: "Senior Sister Dan Yan's swordsmanship is exquisite. I have benefited greatly from it. This battle was very enjoyable."
Dan Yan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, his eyes revealing admiration: "Yang Ling, your swordsmanship is unfathomable. Even with the might of the Crimson Cloud Sect's blazing flames, it is difficult to compare with your swordsmanship. Today's battle has also given me a lot of insights."
Yang Ling smiled calmly and said to Dan Yan, "Senior Sister Dan Yan's sword aura is as powerful as fire. Although I have temporarily won by half a move, it is only by chance. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to give you more guidance."
Dan Yan's eyes gleamed with admiration: "Yang Ling, your humility is admirable. Although my Crimson Cloud Sect is known for its Flame Sword Technique, today's contest has shown me that there are still many mysteries to be discovered beyond the way of the sword."
As soon as they finished speaking, the two suddenly sensed a powerful spiritual wave coming from afar. Yang Ling frowned slightly: "This spiritual wave is so strong that it seems that it cannot be released by an ordinary cultivator. Let's go and investigate."
Dan Yan nodded in agreement, and the two walked side by side at a brisk pace, quickly heading towards the source of the spiritual wave. After traversing dense forests, they finally arrived at a wide valley. Inside the valley, a man in black robes was engaged in fierce combat with several cultivators. (End of Chapter)