Deep in the Ling Family, among the mist-covered peaks of the back mountains.

The spiritual energy there is particularly dense. On one open space, spiritual mist swirls, and many young figures sit with their eyes closed in cultivation, while powerful waves continually emanate from their bodies.

These figures are all seated upon various platforms. On the topmost platform of the mountain peak behind them stands a formidable Stone Sword, and atop the Stone Sword sits a man in white.

This man, with his eyes tightly shut, exudes a sharp aura all over, like a Peerless Treasure Sword.

Swish!

A figure swept across the sky, finally landing on a Puppet at the top of the Stone Sword.

Many cultivating Ling family disciples looked up towards that figure, but he paid no attention to their gazes, directly making his way to the top of the Stone Sword.

The figure landed on the platform at the top of the Stone Sword, none other than Ling Feng, who had just left the Sword Pool.

As soon as he set foot on the platform, his gaze immediately turned forward, where at the edge of the Stone Sword platform, sat a young man quietly, surrounded by the rich spiritual mist.

The man remained motionless, hair flowing as the tip drew a sharp arc. His hands rested on his knees, a cyan Long Sword lay between his palms, emitting slender sword qi that even cut through the surrounding mist.

"Second Brother."

Upon seeing the man in white before him, Ling Feng respectfully cupped his hands.

This person was the number one among the younger generation of the Ling Family, the peerless genius Ling Yuxuan. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

As the second within the Elder Branch of his generation, he was addressed as Second Brother.

Upon hearing Ling Feng's call, Ling Yuxuan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze like two Sharp Swords, chilling.

"What is it?"

Ling Yuxuan was somewhat displeased. He did not like being disturbed during cultivation.

"Second Brother, there's something I must tell you."

Ling Feng respectfully cupped his hands towards him, before saying, "Recently, a Branch Family disciple named Ling Yu joined the family, causing quite a stir."

"He first revealed a Supreme Sword Saint Bloodline during the bloodline test, then was granted a spot in the Sword Pool by the Family Head, and today, he defeated Ling Tong, his momentum soaring."

Speaking here, Ling Feng glanced at Ling Yuxuan and continued, "Everyone is saying that Ling Yu might be the next Ling Yuxuan, and the Family Head is prioritizing him to counter our Elder Branch."

"Those are just idle rumors,"

Ling Yuxuan raised an eyebrow, showing little reaction, "Bloodlines are merely intangible; what surprises me is a mere Branch Family son beating Ling Tong. Did Ling Tong not exert himself fully?"

"No, he gave his all."

Ling Feng shook his head, "Despite turning to the 36 Pulse Sword Waves, Ling Tong still lost to Ling Yu."

"Oh?"

Ling Yuxuan then showed signs of surprise, as the 36 Pulse Sword Waves are considered top-tier swordsmanship within the Ling Family. Despite Ling Tong not mastering it completely, its power shouldn't be weak, and this did come as a surprise.

A Branch Family son defeated Ling Tong, indeed unexpected.

"For a Branch Family son of humble origins, with no background or resources, to grow to such a degree, this Ling Yu possesses some extraordinary traits."

Ling Yuxuan nodded but soon switched his tone, "However, based on this alone, he is not worthy of being my opponent."

"Second Brother, don't underestimate him. I met him once; his talent is undeniable and poses a real threat. Moreover, Ling Yu bears great hostility towards our Elder Branch. We must plan ahead lest he becomes a major trouble once he grows." Ling Feng spoke quickly, seeing Ling Yuxuan unmoved.

"For a Branch Family member new here to bear hostility against the Elder Branch, I think it's more likely you have a personal vendetta with him."

Ling Yuxuan's sharp gaze seemed to see through Ling Feng's little scheme, who merely wanted to use his strength against Ling Chen.

As Ling Feng was about to defend himself, Ling Yuxuan's calm voice spoke again, "As far as I know, there's no shortage of those among the younger generation teaming up with you. This matter doesn't require my involvement, especially since I do not wish to be distracted by such trivial matters now as I have more important concerns."

Ling Feng muttered discontentedly, "Isn't it just losing a single move to Sima Xiaoyao from the Shen Dao Family in the last Heavenly Sword Assembly?" However, as soon as he spoke, he abruptly sensed the menacing sword qi intensifying on the platform, immediately falling silent.

"Ling Feng, if it weren't for you being of the same branch as me, you'd be dead a thousand times over for uttering these words before me."

Ling Yuxuan's chilling voice made Ling Feng sweat, for he knew Ling Yuxuan didn't make idle threats; his Second Brother was one to follow through on such claims.

After bidding Ling Yuxuan farewell, Ling Feng hurriedly fled, not daring to linger a moment longer.

The consequences of angering Ling Yuxuan were beyond what he could bear.

Once Ling Feng was gone, Ling Yuxuan's cyan Long Sword pierced straight out. In an instant, the sword qi surged into the sky, tearing the mist in front into a massive hundred-zhang-wide deep mark, which took quite a while to slowly mend.

"Sima Xiaoyao, at the next Heavenly Sword Assembly, I will personally defeat you."

In Ling Yuxuan's eyes spewed the chilling air as a vision emerged of a dashing blade wielder. This swordsman's garment adorned with plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum exuding overwhelming grandeur.

Crack!

From Ling Yuxuan's brow, a beam of sword qi shot fiercely, piercing through the heart of the swordsman's image, shattering it completely.

Not only Sima Xiaoyao but also Liu Mengru, the Peerless Sword... all these familiar names blocking his path, he will crush them underfoot.

...

Meanwhile, on the platform near the Sword Pool, activity was hectic, and after resting for over two hours, Ling Chen restored his battle consumption to a near-full state.

"Are you ready?"

Ling Tingfeng, seeing Ling Chen finally rise, appeared patient and asked with a smile.

"Yes."

Ling Chen nodded, then directed his gaze down to the Sword Pool, a glimmer of anticipation flickered in his eyes.

"Then let's begin."

Ling Tingfeng nodded, "Generally, the longer you endure within the Sword Pool the greater the benefits, but it ultimately depends on your capabilities."

After speaking, Ling Tingfeng glanced at Ling Lie, and they both leapt from the platform, heading directly towards the Sword Pool below.

"Ling Yu, enter the Sword Pool!"

At Ling Tingfeng's low shout, Ling Chen gathered his emotions, nodded slightly, pointed his toes on the platform, and his figure darted forth, directly into the Sword Pool awash with Sword Spirit Qi amidst the gaze of envy!