Sword Pavilion

"Knock knock knock—"

A knock sounded on the door, accompanied by Qin Yanan's gentle and concerned voice.

"Xiao Xiao, are you awake? Team Leader Long wants everyone to assemble to discuss today's task of eliminating the alien beasts."

Lin Xiao put away her phone and replied, "I'll be right there."

He quickly got up, straightened his clothes, suppressed the distracting thoughts in his mind, and pushed open the door to go out.

Qin Yanan was standing outside the door, her expression still calm.

However, there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes, suggesting that she hadn't slept well last night.

"You don't look well. Didn't you sleep well last night?" Qin Yanan asked softly, her eyes full of concern.

"If you're too tired, you might as well rest for a while longer. I'll pass on the message we're discussing."

Lin Xiao shook his head and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I just had some trouble thinking last night and didn't sleep well. Let's go to the meeting point first, so Brother Long won't be waiting."

He did not mention entering the Dream Realm of Cangxuan.

This matter is too bizarre and concerns the potential dangers of merging the two realms.

Before uncovering more clues, he dared not easily inform Qin Yanan and Long Yan, for fear of causing unnecessary panic.

Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, Qin Yanan did not press him for details. She nodded and walked alongside him toward the main hall.

Neither of them spoke much along the way.

Most of the people inside the stronghold looked tired, but their eyes remained firm.

Everyone was silently organizing their weapons and cleaning their wounds; a heavy atmosphere permeated the air.

They all knew that today's clearing mission was still arduous.

Meanwhile, at the back mountain of the Cangxuan Realm Sword Pavilion.

A gentle breeze rustled through the lush bamboo covering the mountain.

A woman in white, carrying a long sword, stood atop the mountain.

With a slender figure, long hair reaching her waist, and a simple white dress swaying gently in the wind, she looked like a celestial being.

She tilted her head slightly, gazing at the night sky of the Cangxuan Realm, her clear eyes devoid of any emotion.

If Lin Xiao were here, he would definitely recognize that this person is Lin Qishuang, whom he has been searching for for a long time.

At this moment, Lin Qishuang's eyes were cold, and her cultivation level was unfathomable.

Suddenly, a middle-aged Taoist nun appeared behind Lin Qishuang without her noticing.

The newcomer wore a gray Taoist robe, had a thin face, and a dignified air about him; he was clearly a powerful figure from the Sword Pavilion.

The newcomer stood silently for a moment before slowly asking, "Shuang'er, are you confident in your ability to challenge the world this time?"

Upon hearing this voice, Lin Qishuang's eyes flickered slightly, and the cold aura around her softened a little.

He then slowly turned around, his gaze falling on the middle-aged Taoist nun, and said in a calm tone:

"Master, you promised me that if I could defeat all those who challenged you, you would grant me my freedom?"

Her voice was cold and devoid of any extra emotion.

Only when the word "freedom" is mentioned does a glimmer of light flash in his eyes.

That was an anticipation of reuniting with Lin Xiao, and a longing to break free from constraints.

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged Taoist nun smiled faintly.

She gazed calmly at the woman she had forcibly brought into the Sword Pavilion, her tone carrying a hint of probing and admonition as she spoke:

"What, you still want to go find that Lin Xiao? Is the future Sword Pavilion Master not as good as him?"

Sword Pavilion is a top sect in the Cangxuan Realm, in charge of the sword path. Becoming the Pavilion Master grants one the power to govern the order of the Cangxuan Realm.

Such glory, so many people yearn for it, yet you seem to care so little for it?

Lin Qishuang lowered her eyes, her fingertips gently stroking the Qingping Sword. Her expression remained cold, but her tone was firm:

"The position of Pavilion Master means nothing to me. What I seek has never been power or glory, but simply the opportunity to meet him."

She knew in her heart that the middle-aged Taoist nun's words were not unfounded.

But more than the high position of Sword Pavilion Master, she cared more about the person who gave her a new lease on life in her time of crisis.

The middle-aged Taoist nun sighed softly, her tone tinged with helplessness, "But do you know that the Cangxuan Realm is now in chaos, with demonic beasts mysteriously disappearing, and I fear a great calamity is about to befall us."

As the leading swordsman in the Cangxuan Realm, the Sword Pavilion bears the heavy responsibility of protecting the Cangxuan Realm.

And you, as the most outstanding disciple of the Sword Pavilion and the successor designated by the Pavilion Master, have no way to avoid this matter.

Lin Qishuang raised her eyes, a hint of solemnity flashing in them, and said, "Master, I know about the anomalies in the Cangxuan Realm, and I also know about the responsibilities of the Sword Pavilion."

But this doesn't conflict with my search for Lin Xiao. I can defeat all those who challenge me and defend the Sword Pavilion, but I also implore my master to keep his promise and let me go to him once this matter is resolved.

She had already sensed the chaotic flow of spiritual energy in the Cangxuan Realm and vaguely guessed that it might have some connection with another realm.

However, her mind was filled with thoughts of reuniting with Lin Xiao, and she did not want to delve into the matter further.

The middle-aged Taoist nun's expression darkened slightly. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke:

"Alright, I promise you. As long as you can stand out in the Sword Inquiry Tournament, defeat all the disciples who come to challenge you, and uphold the honor of the Sword Pavilion, I will ask the Pavilion Master to grant you your freedom."

But you must remember, before that, you must prioritize the Sword Pavilion, not let personal matters interfere with public duty, and you must not leave the Sword Pavilion even for a moment without permission.

"This disciple will remember Master's teachings." Lin Qishuang bowed, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes, and her tone softened.

"This disciple will not disappoint Master. I will definitely defeat all those who challenge me with the sword, defend the Sword Pavilion, and uncover the truth."

She knew this was her only chance.

He can uphold his responsibilities to the Sword Pavilion, gain his freedom, and reunite with Lin Xiao.

The middle-aged Taoist nun nodded, her gaze fixed on the turbulent spiritual energy in the night sky, and said solemnly:

"Recently, the spiritual energy in the Cangxuan Realm has become increasingly chaotic. This Sword Inquiry event was held ahead of schedule, with all major sects gathering together. The purpose is twofold: firstly, to exchange skills and ideas, and secondly, to discuss countermeasures together."

You must not only engage in sparring but also keep an eye on the movements of various sects, especially the Netherworld Sect, who will also be coming this time. Their sect's Holy Maiden, Yu Jiuyou, is as famous as you, and it is rumored that she is cunning and powerful. You need to be extra careful.

Lin Qishuang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "This disciple understands."

Although she had never met Yu Jiuyou, she had heard of the Netherworld Sect and knew that it was secretive and powerful.

The Sword Pavilion's challenge to conquer the world this time will certainly not be peaceful.

The middle-aged Taoist nun patted her on the shoulder, her tone softening.

"Alright, you should go back and rest too. Be well prepared for the Sword Challenge in half a month, and don't be careless."

After saying that, she moved slightly, transformed into a streak of light, and quietly disappeared among the green bamboo.

Lin Qishuang turned around again and looked at the night sky of Cangxuan Realm. Her eyes lost some of their indifference and gained more anticipation.

She raised her hand and gently stroked the Qingping Sword, murmuring softly, "Lin Xiao, wait for me for another half month. Once I have defeated all my opponents and gained my freedom, I will come to find you. No matter where you are, I will definitely find you."

The night breeze stirred her long hair and plain white dress, making her appear aloof and proud.