Chapter 124 (1/2)

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Chapter 124

Valley of Ten Thousand Swords

TL Note:

I will be changing the court names to reflect their meanings:

Cangjin Court > Hidden Brocade Court

Cangxiu Court > Hidden Beauty Court

Cangjian Court > Hidden Sword Court

Cangqing Court > Hidden Modesty Court

I realised pinyin made it rly confusing in English, might as well change it now

this does the actual name justice & you'll know what they represent at first glance. (btw I've got a glossary )

Li Chengfeng excitedly followed his Grand Senior Brother through a long canyon and arrived at the deepest part of the Ten Thousand Sword Mountain — The Valley of Ten Thousand Swords.

This was the place Chengfeng had imagined countless times since last night, but nothing in his imagination had prepared him for the magnificence of what was before him.

Instead of calling this a valley, it would be more appropriate to call it otherworldly. The Valley of Ten Thousand Swords felt as if it was separated from their material world. As Chengfeng looked up, what seemed to be a layer of a dense and dark canopy loomed over his head. The dark canopy resembled a sparkling milky way, with its sea of stars s.h.i.+ning brightly. What made Chengfeng feel even more in awe was that among the sparkling stars of the canopy, countless swords of all shapes and sizes were floating slowly along with the galaxy. As they were cl.u.s.tered together, the scene resembled a gigantic sleeping dragon that was drifting along with the galaxy.

With a glance, Chengfeng could see that this huge 'dragon' was strong and majestic, it was at least a hundred meters long. As it slowly swam around the air, the long swords that were floating lightly clashed against each other, producing a constant sound of metals clinking. However, this sound was made very frequent, and the swords were densely cl.u.s.tered. As a result, the 'dragon' emitted chimes that were so dense, it sounded like giant tidal waves cras.h.i.+ng against each other.

Beneath the dark canopy laid countless sword tombs. These sword tombs were densely packed and stretched far and wide, causing the entire valley to look rough and terrifying. The air within the Valley of Ten Thousand Swords was filled with a chilling and deathly still atmosphere.

“Is this the Valley of Ten Thousand Swords?” asked Chengfeng in shock. His reaction was a result of the magnificence of the starry canopy and the majestic sword dragon, as well as the horror of witnessing the countless densely packed tombs that laid underneath them.

“This… is the final resting place of all our seniors' heroic spirits from Hidden Sword Court…” Grand Senior Brother explained with a complicated look in his eyes as he stared at the sight that laid in front of him. “One day, I too will be buried within these walls, and the Heaven Splitting Sword that I wield… would also return to the Dragon of Ten Thousand Swords.”

Li Chengfeng looked at Grand Senior Brother, and solemnly replied, “No, you won't!”

Grand Senior Brother was taken aback by his response, then angrily scolded, “Do you think I'm not worthy?!”

Grand Senior Brother viewed Hidden Sword Court as his life, to him, being able to be buried within the Valley of Ten Thousand Sword was the highest level of honour that he could imagine. Chengfeng's sudden retort was like an arrow to his heart, it was unforgivable!

Chengfeng had no fear on his face, he seriously explained, “If you were to die, that would mean that Hidden Sword Court is totally done for! By that time, who do you think will retrieve your corpse and sword? Who do you think will carve a wooden tomb for you?”

Grand Senior Brother stared at Chengfeng, his anger had now dissipated. Instead, it was now replaced with deep sadness and pain. He took a deep breath and pointed towards the highest platform in the valley. “Go there, it is the closest place to approach the Dragon of Ten Thousand Swords. When the ten thousand swords start to float past you, pick out a sword that would belong solely to you.”

A visibly confused Chengfeng asked, “But, there are so many swords! How would I know which sword to pick?”

Grand Senior Brother turned his back away from Chengfeng and flatly replied, “It is not you who chooses the sword, but the sword that chooses you. When the heavenly sword that belongs solely to you is near, it will automatically fly towards you.”

Chengfeng was surprised, he gave it some thought and nodded. But as he continued to ponder, he still had a question that needed answers. “But, are the swords psychic? How could it possibly know whether or not I'm suitable for it?”

“Every sword possesses a piece of their previous wielder's sword spirit and intent, the owner of the sword will then attach their own intent and spirit onto their new swords. This, in turn, would transform the swords into magical ones, it would then officially possess a soul. Although it is unable to think, in terms of battle, it has become its instinct.  It can feel the unique aura that flows through your body, it will then inch closer if you have a similar aura as their previous owners. That is how they will choose you.”

“And if there were multiple swords that choose one person at the same time?”

Grand Senior Brother sneered, “Then just choose one that feels right for you…” as he finished his sentence, he suddenly disappeared in a flash. When he reappeared, he was already standing by the lowest point of the valley, a few meters shy from the tombs.

Chengfeng stared at the stone tombs near Grand Senior Brother and could barely make out the words “Tomb of the Heavenly Thirteen Swords” carved on a stone tablet on top of the grave that belonged to what seemed like the leader of the group. However, when Li Chengfeng swept his gaze over it, he only saw 12 burial mounds.

Grand Senior Brother took out a bottle of wine from his robe and spilt some on the ground in the process. He then sat in front of the grave and drank his wine as he numbly stared at the tombstone of the Heavenly Thirteen Swords without moving.