Chapter 18 - The Sword Pavilion’s Guardian Elder

“The Void Mirage Sword!”

The Void Mirage Sword was the most powerful sword technique in Tianyong City. It was the renowned signature technique of Ziyin Zhenren, celebrated for its earth-shattering might and unparalleled killing force. Together with the Divine Thunder Sword Art of Zhuxian Sect, it was hailed as one of the world’s most invincible sword techniques.

[Zǐ Yīn Zhēn Rén (紫胤真人) suggests a refined and noble Daoist master with a profound connection to both heritage and spiritual transcendence. The title 真人 (Zhēn Rén) is a common honorific in Taoist traditions, reserved for accomplished cultivators or immortals who have transcended mortal concerns.]

However, the more formidable a sword technique, the more difficult it was to master. Its requirements for talent were nearly inhuman. In the long history of Tianyong City, only a handful of people had successfully cultivated it.

“Master Xiao Yu, I’m sure you’ll learn the Void Mirage Sword

! You’re the best, after all.”

Fu Qu beamed with confidence, her smile as radiant as sunlight.

“Thanks for the encouragement.” Xiao Yu chuckled.

While the Void Mirage Sword was notoriously difficult, Xiao Yu had an advantage others lacked: the Hongmeng Space and his supreme-grade celestial root. If even he couldn’t master it, no one could.

“Here we are.”

After a brief walk, Xiao Yu stopped in front of the Sword Pavilion.

The Sword Pavilion was imposing, its grandeur unmatched. Layers of protective formations safeguarded it, giving it an air of profound sanctity. Above the golden doors, three bold characters were etched in silver strokes: Heavenly Sword Pavilion.

[Tianyong Sword Pavilion (天剑阁, Tiānjiàn Gé): The sect’s treasure trove of martial arts and sword techniques, guarded by powerful formations and overseen by the Guardian Elder.]

“Master Xiao Yu, the old fossil guarding the pavilion only recognises rules, not people. I’ll wait for you outside.” Fu Qu grinned mischievously as she skipped toward the shade of a nearby tree.

“Alright then.”

Xiao Yu nodded and stepped toward the pavilion doors.

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Creak…

The heavy wooden doors groaned as Xiao Yu pushed them open and entered the hall.

“Who goes there?”

A voice, ancient and steady, echoed through the space.

Looking up, Xiao Yu saw an elder seated midair in the void. The man’s hair was pitch black despite the deep lines that etched his face, his expression serene yet commanding.

“Guardian Elder, this disciple is Xiao Yu. By the decree of the Sect Leader, I have come to the Sword Pavilion to study sword techniques.”

Xiao Yu stood at the threshold, his hands cupped in a respectful salute.

The Guardian Elder was a legendary figure—older even than Hansu Zhenren. He had guarded the Sword Pavilion for nearly a thousand years. His strength was unfathomable.

[Guardian Elder (守阁老者, Shǒugé Lǎozhě): A wise, ancient figure who guards the sect’s most sacred techniques, embodying both authority and tradition.]

“Ah, so you are Xiao Yu. The Sect Leader has already informed me of your coming.”

The Guardian Elder nodded faintly before asking, “Tell me, which sword technique do you wish to learn? Only then can I retrieve it for you.”

“The Void Mirage Sword.”

Xiao Yu’s voice was steady and resolute.

“The Void Mirage Sword?”

The elder’s brows lifted slightly in surprise. After a moment, he said, “I must warn you: while the Void Mirage Sword is unparalleled in strength, it is also exceptionally difficult to cultivate. In the past several centuries, fewer than a handful of disciples have succeeded. Are you sure you want to attempt this path?”

In the elder’s eyes, focusing on such a demanding technique was akin to chasing a mirage—effort wasted for nought.

“Thank you for your concern, Elder, but my heart is set. I will learn the Void Mirage Sword.”

Xiao Yu’s determination was unshakeable. He had come here for this technique and nothing else.

“Well, since you insist, I’ll grant your request.” The elder shook his head with a sigh. “To walk a path others dare not tread… you are a stubborn one indeed.”

To cultivate the Dao is to defy the heavens.

As the saying went: “To go with the flow is mortal, to defy it is divine.”

[“Going with the flow” is associated with accepting one’s mortal limitations, while “defying it” symbolizes the extraordinary effort to rise above human constraints, often achieving divinity or immortality in the process.]

Perhaps only the truly stubborn could succeed where others failed.

“Thank you, Elder.”

Xiao Yu inclined his head respectfully, watching the elder closely.

The Guardian Elder stretched out a withered hand, and the air rippled like water. From the folds of space itself, he retrieved a jade slip and held it aloft.

“This jade slip contains the cultivation method for the Void Mirage Sword. Use your divine sense to read it—it will imprint itself into your mind.”

With a gentle motion, the jade slip floated toward Xiao Yu, who caught it reverently.

Closing his eyes, Xiao Yu infused the jade slip with his divine sense. Instantly, a torrent of information flooded his mind.

The Void Mirage Sword revealed itself to him—a breathtaking fusion of speed, illusion, and lethal precision. Every stroke, every movement was a masterpiece of destruction.

What a powerful sword technique!

Xiao Yu’s heart pounded as he absorbed the intricate details.

Moments later, the jade slip’s secrets had been fully engraved into his memory. He released his divine sense, returning the slip to the Guardian Elder, who stored it back within the void.

“Xiao Yu.” The elder’s voice turned solemn. “Every sword technique in Tianyong City was created with the blood and sacrifice of our predecessors. You must never share this knowledge with outsiders. If you do, the sect’s rules will show no mercy, and no one will be able to save you.”

“Understood, Elder.” Xiao Yu’s tone was firm.

The Void Mirage Sword would be his greatest weapon—his trump card. He had no intention of revealing it to anyone.

“Good. Now that you have what you came for, I will send you out.”

The elder waved his hand.

A teleportation array flared to life on the floor. Light enveloped Xiao Yu, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the pavilion.