Chapter 15 - "The Pure Yang Immortal Sword"

Lingxiao Pavilion was the residence of the Sword Elder Ziyin Zhenren.

[Ziyin Zhenren” (紫阴真人) can be interpreted as “The Perfected One of Purple Yin” or “True Person of the Purple Shade.” The name evokes an air of mysticism, balance, and spiritual refinement, often associated with an accomplished Daoist figure.]

A man of solitary disposition, Ziyin Zhenren lived apart from sect politics and daily trivialities, dedicating himself solely to the way of the sword. Few dared disturb his peace, and as such, the Lingxiao Pavilion remained a place of absolute serenity.

Beneath the expansive sky, Ziyin Zhenren sat cross-legged, utterly still. It was as though he had merged with heaven and earth themselves. Around him, countless swords hovered in a silent orbit, radiating immortal energy—majestic, boundless, and unparalleled.

Ziyin Zhenren, hailed as the First Sword Immortal of the World, possessed a cultivation so profound that it surpassed even that of Tianyong City’s sect master, Hansu Zhenren. He was the true cornerstone of the sect.

“Hmm, someone has entered the Golden Core stage,” Ziyin Zhenren murmured as his eyes flickered open. Sharp sword light shot from his gaze, piercing through the void before softening into a faint look of satisfaction. He cast his sight toward a distant courtyard in Tianyong City.

“That boy Xiao Yu… His talent truly is extraordinary. After a single experience battling Wu Laoda, he has grown enough to break through. It seems his journey has tempered him well.”

Behind him, seven steps away, stood the sword spirit Hongyu. A manifestation of a divine sword, Hongyu possessed full intelligence and had loyally accompanied Ziyin Zhenren for hundreds of years.

[Hóng Yù (红玉) can be translated as “Red Jade” and often evokes imagery of a rare, beautiful, and treasured gem.]

“Master,” Hongyu said softly, “Xiao Yu is our sect’s Senior Brother, and the responsibility of the sect will one day fall upon his shoulders. Now that he has stepped into the Golden Core stage, perhaps you should offer him a gift to encourage him.”

Ziyin Zhenren nodded faintly.

“Indeed. Xiao Yu is the sect’s future. Now that he has broken through, he must be treated differently from the ordinary disciples.”

Ziyin Zhenren paused, his sharp gaze turning contemplative.

“Knowing Hansu, he has likely rewarded Xiao Yu handsomely. However…” He smiled slightly. “I recall that Xiao Yu’s Qinghong Sword is merely a mid-grade artifact. Now that he’s entered the Golden Core realm, a mid-grade sword will only hold him back. Only a top-grade artefact can truly complement the sharpness of our sword lineage.”

[Qīng Hóng Jiàn (青虹剑 ) can be translated as “Azure Rainbow Sword” or “Green Rainbow Sword.”]

As he spoke, Ziyin Zhenren raised his hand. A golden sword appeared in his palm, its surface exuding a brilliance both ancient and transcendent.

“This is the Pure Yang Immortal Sword,” Hongyu murmured, her tone tinged with surprise.

[Pure Yang Immortal Sword (纯阳仙剑, Chúnyáng Xiānjiàn): A top-grade artifact sword imbued with radiant, pure yang energy.]

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In Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Xiao Yu had already emerged from the Hongmeng Space. His body brimmed with the vigor of a newly ascended Golden Core cultivator, and his excitement carried him straight to the practice chamber.

Before him stood a stone statue—an effigy of a three-headed, six-armed demon, its grotesque features frozen in a snarl. Reinforced with defensive arrays, the statue was Xiao Yu’s usual sparring partner. Previously, even his full-strength attacks had failed to leave a scratch on it.

“Let’s see how strong I’ve become,” Xiao Yu murmured.

“Kill!

”

He thrust his hand forward, a fiery red flame leaping from his fingertips. The flame struck the statue’s left arm with a sharp whoosh.

The arm crackled violently under the intense heat, pockmarked with bubbling scorch marks and deep pits, as though it were corroded by acid.

In the past, this statue had been indestructible under Xiao Yu’s attacks. Now, his Golden Core Dan Fire had easily disfigured it.

[Dan Fire (丹火, Dān Huǒ): A unique ability possessed by Golden Core cultivators. Dan Fire is a highly concentrated spiritual flame used in alchemy, forging, and combat.]

“The Dan Fire of a Golden Core cultivator really is terrifying!” Xiao Yu exclaimed, his smile growing wider.

Just as Xiao Yu was relishing his newfound strength, ripples spread through the air of the practice chamber. The wavering void coalesced into a dignified face—a face Xiao Yu instantly recognized.

“Ziyin Zhenren!”

Xiao Yu immediately set aside what he was doing and bowed respectfully to the projection.

“Disciple Xiao Yu greets the Sword Elder!”

“Xiao Yu,” Ziyin Zhenren’s voice was calm but firm, “you have broken through to the Golden Core stage. As your elder, it is only fitting that I reward you.”

“A gift?” Xiao Yu blinked, surprise flashing across his face before it was replaced by joy. “Thank you, Sword Elder!”

As Tianyong City’s guardian, Ziyin Zhenren was undoubtedly aware of Xiao Yu’s breakthrough. A reward from such a figure was no small matter.

“This sword is the Pure Yang Immortal Sword—a top-grade artifact. When I was in the Golden Core stage, this sword accompanied me as I slew demons, crushed evil, and swept through the world undefeated. Now that my cultivation has reached its peak, this sword no longer serves me. Today, I pass it to you.”

Ziyin Zhenren’s projection smiled faintly, and in the next instant, a resplendent golden sword materialized in front of Xiao Yu.

The Pure Yang Immortal Sword floated serenely before him, its sharp tip pointed downward. The soul brand had been erased, leaving it untouched and awaiting Xiao Yu’s blood for recognition.