Whispers of the Boundless Sky

Chapter 7: The Blades of Heaven

The steep path to the Celestial Blade Sect wound through mist-shrouded mountains, jagged rocks and sharp cliffs making each step treacherous. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became, and the more the ancient energy of the mountain pressed upon them. Jian Yu moved with ease, his steps light, as though he had walked this path a thousand times. Beside him, Yue Ling struggled to hide her growing fatigue.

"You're surprisingly quick on these paths," she commented, trying to catch her breath, though she masked her strain with a teasing smile.

Jian Yu chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Years of wandering, Miss Yue. When you've traveled as much as I have, you learn to climb any mountain that stands in your way."

"That, or you're hiding a pair of wings," she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. "This mountain... it's no joke."

He glanced up at the towering peaks above. "The Celestial Blade Sect likes to make an impression. Their disciples are forged in this environment. To them, the climb is a test—a sign of one's commitment to the sword."

Yue Ling smirked. "You think they'll be impressed by us just showing up?"

Jian Yu's smile softened. "Not exactly. But we'll see what the heavens have in store."

As they approached the gates of the Celestial Blade Sect, they were greeted by the sound of clashing steel and the faint hum of energy in the air. The sect's gate, a massive structure carved from gleaming stone, loomed before them. Inscribed on it in bold strokes were the words "Blades of Heaven, Hearts of Stone."

Beyond the gate, the disciples of the sect trained in the courtyard, their movements fluid, each swing of their swords leaving trails of light as they practiced their techniques. Their focus was absolute, their postures precise—no wasted movements, no hesitation.

Jian Yu admired them from afar, his eyes sharp as he observed the flow of their swordsmanship. "Their techniques are as disciplined as ever."

Yue Ling's gaze was drawn to the swords glinting in the sunlight. "It's beautiful... in a terrifying way."

"It's the beauty of the sword," Jian Yu said quietly. "Sharp, unforgiving, but full of grace."

Before they could approach any further, a tall figure in flowing white robes appeared at the gate. His face was sharp and angular, and his long, silver hair framed cold, calculating eyes. He carried a sword on his back, but its sheath seemed to radiate an unseen force that made the air around him tremble slightly.

"Who dares approach the Celestial Blade Sect unannounced?" the man called out, his voice carrying authority. His gaze swept over them, narrowing when it fell on Jian Yu.

Jian Yu stepped forward, unbothered by the man's imposing aura. "Jian Yu, the Laughing Wanderer. I seek an audience with your sect master."

The man's eyes flickered with recognition, though his expression remained unreadable. "The Laughing Wanderer... so the rumors are true. You've caused quite a stir lately, Jian Yu."

"Rumors have a way of growing legs, don't they?" Jian Yu replied with a light chuckle. "But I'm not here for gossip. I need to speak with your sect master about something... rather important."

The man's eyes sharpened, and for a moment, there was an unsettling silence between them. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "The sect master does not meet with wanderers on a whim. State your business, or turn back."

Jian Yu's smile faded slightly, and his tone became more serious. "This isn't just any business. It concerns the seal of the Nine Heavens."

At the mention of the seal, the man's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. The disciples in the courtyard paused in their training, sensing the shift in energy.