Sword Sovereign of the Celestial Emperor-Chapter 102, Treasure Pavilion

Martial Extreme Peak.

Flowing clouds undulate like water ripples, the clouds at the horizon sometimes curl, sometimes stretch, continuously spreading toward the end of the mountain, creating a picturesque, poetic scene.

Before the hall, the pond is clear, unknown fish swim leisurely within, stirring ripples, all things seem to have spirits, swimming joyfully.

Beside the pond, there is a chessboard, black and white pieces starkly contrasting, containing a mystical artistic conception.

Surprisingly, the chess players are an old man with white hair and a nearly twenty-year-old youth.

The old man’s face is furrowed with deep lines, his head surrounded by an aura of death, his visage withered, lips parched, as if a slight breeze could topple him; his pupils white, different from ordinary people, looking extremely eerie. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

"Zhuang Qing, the little ones of the Martial Extreme Sect will all depend on your protection this time."

The old man spoke, placing a chess piece down, his demeanor as serene as a mountain, the hem of his robe fluttering, his white beard floating.

"Master, though I haven’t grasped the half-step sword intent, I have condensed the Sword Intent Seed. The era of the five great talents should come to an end now!"

The nearly twenty-year-old youth curled his lip in defiance, his eyes brimming with the wildness of a Blade Master, his body still, yet exuding a strange allure, drawing others in deeply.

Zhuang Qing, the core disciple of the Martial Extreme Sect, recognized in the Great Yan Kingdom’s martial world as the number one Blade Master in the Transcendence Realm—an honor, as well as an affirmation of his strength.

"If I had your talent and luck in my youth, I wouldn’t have spent my life constrained in the Great Yan Kingdom. After returning from the Celestial Flame Secret Realm this time, you need not return to the Martial Extreme Sect."

The old man spoke nonchalantly as if discussing an insignificant matter. As he placed another piece, it seemed the chessboard resonated with the sounds of swords and sabers clashing, humming restlessly.

Zhuang Qing fell silent.

.....

The core disciples of the Cyan Yang Sect were rigorously enhancing their strength for the forthcoming opening of the Celestial Flame Secret Realm. Opportunities often coexist with dangers. Despite the myriad legends about the Celestial Flame Secret Realm in the martial world, the perils within were also a frequent topic of discussion.

In a small courtyard.

Swish swish swish

Nine phantoms abruptly flashed through the air. The phantoms were indistinguishable from Chu Ming’s true form, even their souls and auras were identical. The nine phantoms flickered simultaneously, filling the sky, impossible to tell the real from the fake, shifting unpredictably.

Poof poof poof

One by one, the phantoms gradually dissolved, vanishing. Nine merged into one, revealing Chu Ming’s true form, fine sweat flowing, glimmering with a crystal sheen.

Whew

"Finally, I’ve cultivated the Nine Clone Techniques to Mastery."

Chu Ming exhaled a murky breath, pausing, knowing only two days remained until the scheduled departure for the Celestial Flame Secret Realm.

In ten days, he had brought his Blood Killing Fist to Mastery in the first three days. Though the Fire Element Body Forging Chapter hadn’t broken through to the Fourth Layer, he had reached the peak of the Third Layer. His overall strength had also narrowly reached ninety Tiger Power.

The Nine Clone Techniques weren’t as simple as the Blood Killing Fist; even with Chu Ming’s comprehension, he only reached small success in two days and took five days to cultivate it to Mastery.

However, the Nine Clone Techniques were indeed powerful; the nine clones cultivated were like the true body, and if a martial artist’s Soul Power didn’t surpass Chu Ming’s, they couldn’t discern which was real or fake, inevitably being deceived.

Knock knock knock

At this moment, a clear knocking sound echoed from outside the small courtyard, reaching Chu Ming’s ears.

"Senior Brother Chu Ming, the Grand Elder wants to see the core disciples for something!"

Opening the door, an Inner Sect Steward respectfully said. Chu Ming nodded and followed the Inner Sect Steward.

However, to Chu Ming’s surprise, the Inner Sect Steward headed not towards Cyan Yang Peak but towards the Treasure Pavilion.

"The Grand Elder and the other core disciples are at the Treasure Pavilion," the Inner Sect Steward seemed to know Chu Ming’s confusion and explained. Chu Ming nodded.

The Treasure Pavilion was beside Cyan Yang Peak, more precisely, at the foot of Cyan Yang Peak. Ordinarily, it was a Restricted Area, off-limits to any disciples. Even an Inner Sect Elder needed the Sect Leader’s hand-written decree to enter.

Surrounded by flowing water, shimmering waves, several Silver Flower Trees grew on either side, lending a touch of charm, with the air mingling with earthy and unknown floral scents, startling birds and beasts.

Before long, Chu Ming saw the figure of the Grand Elder. Behind him stood five or six people, both men and women, in white robes, with solemn expressions, yet the aura they emitted was not weak, even stronger than Sun Minghui.

These must be the core disciples of the Cyan Yang Sect, Chu Ming guessed in his heart.

"Greetings, Grand Elder!"

Chu Ming bowed respectfully.

"Hmm!"

The Grand Elder nodded slightly, indicating Chu Ming to stand behind him. Chu Ming found a random spot among the core disciples and stood quietly, observing them.

As he observed the core disciples, several of them also observed him. After all, Chu Ming’s reputation was at its peak in both the Great Yan Kingdom and the Cyan Yang Sect.

Sect Leader Guan Chengzhi had even hinted at grooming Chu Ming as the next Sect Leader.

This alone aroused the envy and jealousy of many core disciples.

Among the many gazes, there were provocations, jealousy, and a few kind glances, each with different intentions.

Soon, except for Li Yuqing, all nine core disciples had gathered, standing silently behind the Grand Elder.

"Alright, since everyone is here, I’ll get straight to the point. This time, the Celestial Flame Secret Realm is more perilous than before. To minimize casualties, it is specially permitted for you to enter the Treasure Pavilion and select one piece of treasure each for protection. Do not take more, or you will be disqualified. You have one incense stick’s time to make your choice, regardless if you find anything, you must come out once the time is up."

The Grand Elder said calmly, leading the core disciples toward the Treasure Pavilion. Hearing this, any doubts about Li Yuqing’s absence were quickly set aside, replaced only by thoughts of "treasures".

The Treasure Pavilion of the Cyan Yang Sect had existed since the sect’s founding. With centuries of continuous filling, the number of treasures inside was unimaginable. Chu Ming believed that even the treasury of the Great Yan Kingdom paled in comparison to the Cyan Yang Sect’s Treasure Pavilion.

"Martial Uncle, I have brought the core disciples to select treasures!"

Arriving at the entrance of the Treasure Pavilion, the Grand Elder did not enter directly but bowed respectfully and spoke. "Come in."

An aged and void-like voice echoed from within the Treasure Pavilion, reaching Chu Ming and the others’ ears clearly, lingering endlessly, as if eternally unbroken.

Chu Ming’s heart shook. Someone who could make the Grand Elder so respectful and be addressed as senior brother must be one of the few Guiyuan Realm martial artists in the Cyan Yang Sect.