The early morning sun painted the Jade Sword Mountain Range in shades of amber and gold. Mist clung to the peaks, curling around the ruins of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Zhou Yu stood atop a crumbled pavilion, overlooking the valley below — the infamous Crimson Valley, a forbidden zone shrouded in poisonous mist and rare spiritual herbs.
Ling padded at his side, ears twitching at the faint hum of residual Sword Qi that lingered in the wind. The wolf had grown noticeably stronger since their encounter with the Glacier Python, and Zhou Yu felt the bond between them deepen with every passing day.
"Crimson Valley…" Zhou Yu murmured, eyes narrowing. "It's dangerous, but the rewards could accelerate the sect's recovery. If we're careful, we can harvest the Blood Flame Fruit and other herbs that strengthen the body and aid cultivation."
He tightened his satchel, adjusted his simple iron sword, and descended toward the valley. The air grew thick as he entered the misty expanse, faintly tinged with a red hue. The scent of toxins and damp earth filled his nostrils, and every breath had to be measured. One wrong step could be fatal.
The valley was alive with movement. Ethereal shadows flickered in the mist, revealing low- to mid-tier mystical beasts — venomous snakes, poisonous lizards, and ghostly wolves with faint spiritual energy. Zhou Yu moved carefully, relying on his cultivated Qi to enhance his senses.
Suddenly, a shimmering shape lunged from the mist — a Nether Shadow Wolf, a small but cunning demonic beast known for its stealth and poisonous bite. Zhou Yu barely had time to react, forming a defensive stance. Ling leapt forward, fangs bared, snarling at the beast.
The wolf's attack was quick, but Zhou Yu moved with surprising agility. He extended his Sword Qi through his iron sword, directing the energy to intercept the shadow wolf. Sparks flew as steel met poisoned claws. The beast recoiled, snarling, before retreating into the crimson mist. Zhou Yu exhaled, sweat dripping from his brow.
"This valley… it's a trial," he whispered. "Every step is life or death."
Moving carefully, Zhou Yu spotted a faint glow amidst the red mist. He approached and discovered a cluster of Blood Flame Fruit, their fiery glow pulsating with life. These fruits were legendary for their ability to accelerate body refining cultivation — perfect for strengthening his bones, organs, and overall endurance.
Harvesting the fruit carefully, Zhou Yu felt a surge of Qi flow through his body as he consumed a small portion. Painful energy coursed through his meridians, but his body responded, bones growing denser, muscles firmer. Ling padded close, sensing the increase in Zhou Yu's aura.
"This… this will be the start of many breakthroughs," Zhou Yu murmured, eyes glinting with determination.
As Zhou Yu prepared to leave the valley, he noticed a figure cautiously approaching through the mist. A young boy, no more than twelve or thirteen, clad in tattered robes, tripped over a root and fell near Zhou Yu.
"Please… I've been watching," the boy stammered, trembling. "I… I want to join the Heavenly Sword Sect. I want to learn the Sword Dao… I'll do anything to help rebuild it!"
Zhou Yu studied the boy carefully. His cultivation was weak — barely at the first stage of Body Refining — but his determination was undeniable. There was fire in his eyes, a glimmer of potential that could be nurtured.
"Your path will not be easy," Zhou Yu said, extending a hand. "The sect is in ruins. You will face danger, mystical beasts, and enemies beyond imagining. Can you endure that?"
The boy nodded fiercely. "I… I can! I swear it!"
Zhou Yu smiled faintly. "Very well. You are my first disciple. You will train under me, help rebuild the sect, and walk the path of the Sword. Your name?"
"Liang Chen," the boy replied, bowing deeply.
"Liang Chen," Zhou Yu repeated. "Welcome to the Heavenly Sword Sect. Together… we will rise again."
As they left Crimson Valley, the wind carried a faint whisper, chilling and sinister. It was not the voice of the Sword Spirit, but something darker:
"The heir awakens… the Scarlet Moon Demonic Sect will not ignore this. Their scouts have already observed the ruins… and soon, the hunt begins."
Zhou Yu felt a shiver run down his spine. The Boundless Heaven Domain was vast, but the enemies he would face were cunning and patient. The rebuilding of the Heavenly Sword Sect had begun, but so had the first threads of a dangerous game.
Ling padded forward, and Liang Chen struggled to keep up. Zhou Yu glanced at them both, determination blazing in his eyes. "Step by step," he murmured. "Every blade… every disciple… every victory counts. We will restore the Heavenly Sword Sect… no matter the cost."
The ruins no longer felt empty. They were alive with purpose, danger, and destiny.