The gates of the Inner Court loomed like the walls of a divine fortress.
Carved from meteorite jade, they radiated a sacred brilliance that pulsed like the heartbeat of heaven itself. As they opened, a wave of spiritual pressure rolled out, shaking even the distant clouds.
Lin Feng stepped through.
The difference was instant — the air was heavier, the spirit energy thicker, the pressure of countless powerful cultivators almost tangible.
Dozens of palaces floated among the mountains, each surrounded by sword formations that shimmered faintly in the sky. Waterfalls of spiritual light cascaded between them like rivers of silver flame.
He could feel it — this was no longer the domain of fledgling disciples.
"Welcome to the Inner Court, Lin Feng," said Elder Mo Xu, walking beside him.
"From this point onward, you'll face not only trials of strength, but of intent.
Here, the competition is quiet, ruthless, and endless."
Lin Feng nodded, taking in the sight before him.
Disciples with Saint-level auras walked the marble paths, their robes embroidered with golden sword sigils. Some flew on swords that hummed with divine resonance.
Every one of them turned to look at him — the new arrival who had shaken the Sword Constellation Array.
Whispers rippled through the air.
"That's him?"
"The one who broke the ancestral formation?"
"He's not even a noble-born cultivator…"
"He's dangerous. Keep your distance."
Lin Feng ignored them all.
Elder Mo Xu handed him a token shaped like a silver sword. "This will serve as your identification and key. It grants you access to the Azure Peak, an unclaimed mountain within the Inner Court. From today, it's yours."
"Thank you, Elder."
The old man's eyes twinkled faintly. "Lin Feng… the higher you climb, the colder the wind. The path of the sword is not only sharp — it's lonely. Remember that."
Lin Feng bowed deeply. "This disciple will remember."
As the elder vanished in a swirl of mist, Lin Feng turned toward his new home.
---
Azure Peak
The mountain lived up to its name.
Every stone shimmered faintly with azure light, and a vast waterfall of spirit energy flowed down its slopes. The peak had been abandoned for centuries — overgrown with crystalline vines, ancient sword marks etched into the cliffs.
He found a ruined sword platform halfway up — cracked and worn by time.
Yet as he brushed his hand across it, faint runes began to glow. The sword intent in the air felt… familiar.
"This place…" he murmured. "It's connected to the Azure Origin."
That night, under a sky filled with lightning and drifting clouds, Lin Feng sat cross-legged on the ancient platform. His sword lay across his knees, gleaming softly.
Within his dantian, the Azure Dao Seed pulsed faintly, exhaling traces of divine resonance.
"Azure Sword Art — Fourth Form: Destiny Break…"
He began to circulate his energy — slowly, patiently — guiding the saint essence through his meridians.
As the Azure Sword hummed, the surrounding sword qi gathered toward him like moths drawn to flame.
Within minutes, his body was enveloped in a vortex of blue light.
But just as he reached the peak of his focus—
"So it's true."
A calm, cold voice drifted down from above.
Lin Feng opened his eyes.
A figure descended, her silver robes fluttering in the night wind. Her eyes were like the moon — calm, cold, and unfathomably sharp.
He recognized her instantly.
Lian Yue.
The Sword Saint of the Heavenly Sword Palace.
One of the seven peak masters — and rumored to be the youngest to ever reach the Saint Sovereign Realm.
Lin Feng rose, bowing respectfully. "Disciple greets Peak Master Lian Yue."
She studied him silently for a long moment, her gaze like a blade slicing through his soul. Then, she spoke softly.
"You carry the Azure resonance. I felt it during the Constellation Trial."
"That energy… shouldn't exist anymore."
Her tone wasn't hostile, but probing — cautious.
Lin Feng met her gaze. "It was something I awakened during the trial. I don't yet understand it fully."
Lian Yue's expression didn't change, but the faintest flicker of curiosity passed through her eyes.
"Be careful with it. Many in this realm would kill for what you carry — or worse, seal you for eternity."
"The last one who bore the Azure Flame was hunted until even their name was erased."
Lin Feng frowned. "Why? What is the Azure Flame really?"
Lian Yue turned toward the horizon, her silver hair glimmering in the starlight.
"The Azure Flame is not a power… it's a heritage. A remnant of the First Sword — the blade that cut open the heavens at the dawn of creation. Its inheritors are bound to its destiny. And destiny, Lin Feng…"
She looked back at him, her eyes suddenly cold again.
"...is the cruelest sword of all."
Then she vanished — leaving only a faint trail of sword aura behind.
Lin Feng stood there, silent, the night wind rustling through the leaves.
He looked down at his sword — plain, dull, and unremarkable — yet beneath its surface pulsed a divine energy that refused to be forgotten.
"A heritage that was erased…"
"Then I'll restore it."
---
The next morning, news spread like wildfire.
"Lin Feng was personally visited by Sword Saint Lian Yue!"
"Impossible! She hasn't appeared for years!"
"He must have some hidden backing."
The Inner Court erupted in whispers and envy.
But not all were content to whisper.
At the Scarlet Blade Pavilion, three disciples sat around a stone table.
Their auras were sharp, their robes bearing the golden insignia of Saint-ranked elites.
"That outsider's arrogance needs to be cut down," one sneered.
"He's making us look like fools. Even the Saint Sword Elders are talking about him."
Another smirked, drawing his blade slightly. "Let's invite him to a 'friendly duel.' If he refuses, he loses face. If he accepts — he loses his life."
The leader, a tall man with fiery red hair, leaned back with a cold grin.
"Prepare the dueling grounds. Tonight, the Azure Peak will burn."
---
By nightfall, Lin Feng sat in meditation when he felt the first ripple.
A killing intent — sharp, hot, and arrogant — brushing against his senses.
He opened his eyes, and three figures appeared on the platform, swords drawn, their auras flaring like volcanoes.
"Lin Feng," said the red-haired man, his tone mocking.
"Inner Court custom: every new disciple must prove their worth. Care to show us what makes you special?"
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you'll never step foot in the training halls again."
A thin smile touched Lin Feng's lips. "Then I'll accept."
He stood, drawing his sword — its surface dull as ever.
The three Saint disciples laughed.
"A mortal sword? You're already dead."
The red-haired one lunged, his blade engulfed in crimson fire.
Lin Feng didn't move until the very last instant.
Then — one motion.
Shiiing—!
A faint flash of azure light, soft as moonlight.
The next second, the red-haired man's sword shattered in half.
The mountain wind blew through the sudden silence.
The other two froze, disbelief etched into their faces.
They hadn't even seen the strike.
Lin Feng lowered his sword calmly. "If you wish to test my worth," he said quietly,
"then bring something sharper than arrogance."
The red-haired man fell to his knees, his aura collapsing. The others retreated silently, faces pale.
---
As dawn broke, the entire Inner Court buzzed with the same words:
"He defeated three Saint disciples in a single move."
"The Azure Peak… has awakened."
And in the depths of the Heavenly Sword Palace, deep beneath the sacred halls, a sealed monument trembled faintly — a whisper echoing across the realms.
"The Azure Flame… burns once more."