Chapter Eighteen: The Ascent

The next day, a female senior disciple from Mount Nanmi, named Ye Xianghan, entered the Sword Discussion Hall at Broken Sword Cliff. True to her name, she carried an icy demeanor as she stepped inside.

After a brief introduction, she led the disciples deeper into the recesses of Broken Sword Cliff.

It was well known that the peak master of Mount Nanmi was a profoundly skilled female sword immortal, whose disciples were predominantly women.

Five years ago, Lu Shuili, whose astonishing talent had shaken the Sword Sect, was said to have become the peak master’s direct disciple.

The disciples of Broken Sword Cliff had initially felt a tinge of disappointment that Xiao You would not personally teach them. Yet as they journeyed onward, sensing the ever-growing accumulation and intensification of sword energy in the air, many began to speculate on the destination and felt a renewed surge of excitement.

Lin Fei still walked at the rear of the group, a faint gleam of anticipation flickering in his eyes.

After several hours of trekking, they finally arrived at the foot of the famed towering mountain known far and wide.

The mountain was shrouded in a veil of mist, soaring into the clouds, stretching beyond the horizon.

This mountain, regarded as a tomb of swords, was naturally called Sword Tomb Mountain.

From time to time, glimpses through the mist revealed countless broken swords thrust into the ground; under the sunlight, they reflected a cold, piercing sword light, the sword energy sharp and overwhelming.

Faces involuntarily flushed; even the weaker-bodied disciples felt their hearts race, pounding like drums against their chests.

This physiological reaction was not due to fatigue—for cultivators at the Mortal Realm vastly surpassed ordinary people in stamina.

The true reason lay in the sword energy emanating from the mountain peak, like a tangible weight pressing heavily upon each person’s chest.

“In one month, you will have the chance to climb Sword Tomb Mountain,” Ye Xianghan’s clear voice carried an unyielding gravity. “At that time, the Sword Sect will lift some of the mountain’s restrictions.”

“But you must remember, this opportunity comes but once. At the initial breakthrough to the Mortal Realm, your spiritual sea is at its purest and clearest—this is the best time to attract recognition from an ancient sword.”

Ye Xianghan’s gaze swept over them like a sharp blade, her tone bearing a hint of warning: “Therefore, in the coming month, your task is to learn to adapt to and withstand the oppressive sword energy at the mountain’s base. Only after acclimating to this environment will you have a greater chance to find an ancient sword that suits you during the climb a month from now.”

Struggling to suppress their discomfort, they lifted their heads to gaze upon the towering Sword Tomb Mountain, their minds imagining that if the sword energy pressure was so intense at the foot, what spectacle awaited within?

Seemingly seeing through their thoughts, Ye Xianghan bluntly stated, “The most important rule: no unauthorized climbing. Beyond the many restrictions on the mountain, the constant clashing of sword energy over years has created countless mists and unpredictable hazards. Those unstable in mind will not even reach the halfway point before their internal organs are shattered by the sword energy, dying on the spot.”

Upon hearing this, the disciples, once filled with excitement and expectation, gradually calmed and began earnestly contemplating the challenges ahead.

The talented among them maintained composure. Zhao Xiuyuan shed his usual frivolity, his expression now steady and mature.

Fang Zhenghua remained proud, standing tall and unyielding.

Xia Yi appeared the most at ease, glancing around obliviously to the heavy sword energy, enjoying herself.

“Of course...”

“If you have enough confidence in yourselves, you may try stepping a few paces deeper into the mountain base,” Ye Xianghan added.

Her words struck a chord; the disciples immediately grasped the deeper meaning.

Under safe conditions, the closer one approached the mountain, the stronger the sword energy pressure, and naturally, the greater the gains.

Yet the crucial question was: who would take the first step?

The sound of footsteps grew firm and steady.

Lin Fei, hands in his pockets, calmly stepped forward from the crowd and walked toward the mountain without changing expression.

His stride conveyed composure, as if the dangers ahead were but a smooth path.

All eyes followed Lin Fei’s movement, revealing mixed emotions.

Ever since yesterday’s Sword Discussion Hall conversation between Lin Fei and Xiao You, their opinions of Lin Fei had shifted.

Even the once haughty Fang Zhenghua no longer looked at him with disdain.

Passing by Ye Xianghan, Lin Fei did not turn his head but said lightly, “I want to give it a try.”

Ye Xianghan’s face remained serene; she slowly spoke, “Once you begin climbing—”

“Life and death are my responsibility; I understand,” Lin Fei interrupted and continued forward.

Following Lin Fei, Xia Yi became the second to embark, her eyes shining with determination and curiosity.

Then Fang Zhenghua, Zhang Lie, Zhao Xiuyuan, and others stepped forward, their figures resolute as they advanced toward the mountain foot.

Inspired by them, the hesitant disciples regained confidence, striding purposefully down the mountain path.

Ye Xianghan watched Lin Fei’s retreating figure at the forefront; a faint smile appeared on her usually impassive face as she murmured, “Interesting.”

…

At the mountain base, faced with the increasingly oppressive sword energy, most disciples only managed a few steps before sitting cross-legged, the pressure nearly suffocating them.

Those with firmer cultivation climbed slowly along moss-covered stone steps.

After fifty paces, some halted.

At one hundred paces, even Zhao Xiuyuan could no longer continue; he sat cross-legged, his face grave.

At two hundred paces, only three remained. Fang Zhenghua gasped for breath, his gaze fixed on the calm black figure ahead, gritting his teeth to press onward.

At two hundred fifty paces, Fang Zhenghua’s face flushed crimson, and just as he began to waver, Lin Fei glanced back casually.

This simple act caused Fang Zhenghua’s face to burn with embarrassment, prompting him to stand resolutely and move forward again.

However, at three hundred paces, utterly exhausted, he collapsed, unable to continue.

Only two remained on the steps.

Xia Yi, gifted and light-footed, seemed to have reserves left.

Catching Lin Fei’s inadvertent glance, she softly asked, “Do you care about Fang Zhenghua?”

Lin Fei, hands clasped behind his back, spoke calmly but with meaning: “If you hadn’t come to the Sword Sect, he might have been the most talented among this generation.”

Xia Yi’s heart stirred; she thought: That sounds as if you no longer belong to this generation.

She sighed softly, remarking, “You’re always so concerned about others. Such a kind-hearted person.”

Lin Fei shook his head lightly, a faint smile playing at his lips: “It’s nothing more than idle interest—I hope they become stronger.”

The young girl, curious, pressed further: “If so, why don’t you teach him directly?”

Lin Fei gazed into the mist-shrouded mountaintop, a trace of profundity flashing in his eyes: “Because I’m far stronger than him, and too proud.”

…

As they ascended, the girl’s face showed unmistakable fatigue.

Lin Fei gently patted her head, indicating she should wait there, then set off alone up the slope.

The terrain grew steeper, the sword energy thicker; faint sounds of clashing swords echoed from the distant mist.

Half an hour later, Lin Fei finally halted, looking up silently.

His body was different—born with a sword embryo—so no matter how dense or overwhelming the sword energy, it was but fleeting smoke to him.

What truly restrained him was the invisible lock of his realm.