On the high platform, the elders' expressions shifted when they heard the words "Sword Pill."
Though none of the present elders possessed a Sword Pill themselves, they were no strangers to it.
Sharp enough to slice iron like mud, supple enough to coil around a finger.
The Sword City once had a predecessor of extraordinary talent but abysmal luck. Due to various misfortunes, he lingered in the Inner Breath Realm for decades, dissipating and rebuilding his cultivation seven times.
Throughout those decades, he never ceased his comprehension of sword techniques. The last time he observed the Hengyun Sword Scar, he transformed his own Mystic Core into a Sword Pill. Later, he even used the Hengyun Sword Scar as his divine intent, breaking through the limits of form to perceive the divine, directly ascending to the Inner Scenery Realm.
That predecessor was named Wan Wuchang—the former lord of Hengyun Sword City and the Martial Emperor's first teacher in the way of the sword.
"Elder Wan was a case of 'accumulating thin to erupt thick' (hardship leading to sudden brilliance). This kid doesn’t seem the same."
"The world is vast and full of wonders. Back then, Elder Wan’s talent was astonishing, yet he remained in the Inner Breath Realm at forty—something unheard of before."
"Everyone’s gifts are different. For him to condense a Sword Pill at such a young age, he must have his own unique insights."
Several elders nodded in agreement.
They had witnessed many earth-shattering sword prodigies, but this Li Mo fellow intrigued them more.
"Though his temperament is a bit... flamboyant."
"Pfft, who was it again that hid their cultivation at an old age, disguised themselves, and sneaked into another sword sect’s new disciple trials?"
"A swordsman’s affairs—can you really call it showing off?"
"I’m more curious what he’ll comprehend if he observes the Hengyun Sword Scar."
Eighty percent of Hengyun Sword City’s martial arts originated from that single sword scar.
The scar was profoundly mystical—anyone could glean martial insights from it.
What each person comprehended would suit them perfectly, though it wasn’t necessarily sword techniques.
The higher one’s talent, the more profound the martial art they’d derive.
The elders were quite curious.
"By the way, there’s one more thing."
Elder Zeng cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention back.
"That Li kid sent me a letter through Jinghong."
"It concerns the 'Impending Storm Order' from the Drizzle Pavilion."
The other elders and stewards immediately turned solemn.
The Impending Storm Order signified a directive issued directly from the main pavilion.
The Drizzle Pavilion’s internal structure was loose—this was one of the few ways to mobilize its members.
"Those rats are profit-driven, but they operate covertly. Is the intel reliable?" an elder asked.
How did Li Mo know so much about the Drizzle Pavilion?
Elder Zeng paused, then nodded.
"It even pinpoints two of their hideouts and tracks the movements of their Holy Maiden."
The elders’ expressions darkened.
This was practically confirmation.
If even the Holy Maiden was involved, their ambitions couldn’t be small. They weren’t exactly the type for team-building outings—the Drizzle Pavilion’s defining trait was their mercenary nature. No gain, no action.
Yet the information at hand was still too sparse.
Their gazes turned to the side.
A woman with faint golden eyes sat quietly, her every movement blending seamlessly into nature.
If one blinked, they might even forget she was there.
"The Yantian Sect owes Hengyun Sword City a favor."
She finally withdrew her attention from Li Mo, and a flawless jade plate hovered before her.
"My first divination upon descending the mountain shall settle this debt."
The jade pieces on the plate swiftly rearranged themselves.
Studying the hexagram, she first frowned, then relaxed.
Elder Zeng felt the same unease as watching a traditional doctor hesitate before delivering bad news.
"Envoy, what’s the verdict?"
After a long silence, she spoke softly.
"Turn peril into safety."
The Sword Trial Assembly had concluded for the day.
There were many other dazzling duels—Senior Brother Shen Yunfei breaking through mid-battle, Senior Sister Xu Zhiqing refining her sword energy further.
Senior Brother Ouyang... didn’t even make an appearance.
He was too busy finishing the latest chapter of "The Domineering Empress Falls for Me," rushing to the printing house for a new batch.
The previous volume was already in high demand—this new chapter would likely sell out instantly.
Yet, the most unforgettable moment of the tournament remained the "Myriad Swords Return to Origin." The spectacle was too awe-inspiring.
No one had ever wielded a sword with such grandeur.
For a long time, it would dominate conversations in Yunzhou’s martial world.
"Young Hero Li will surely ascend the Sword Tower now."
"They say the Hengyun Sword Scar was left by an immortal—mystical beyond measure. The greater one’s talent, the more profound the martial art they’ll grasp."
"Tsk... I wonder what world-shaking technique Young Hero Li will comprehend?"
"Hmph! Young Hero Li is the reincarnation of a Sword Saint! Of course he’ll awaken some divine sword art!"
"Sword Saint? Sword Immortal!"
"I’ve got exclusive insider info—that Hengyun Sword Scar might’ve been a casual slash from Young Hero Li’s past life! Don’t tell anyone, okay?"
"Gasp! My lips are sealed!"
"Hey, buddy, I’ve got this exclusive scoop..."
As everyone knew, $2artial artists loved to boast—it proved their insight surpassed the ordinary.
Which was why Li Mo’s fame didn’t just rise... it snowballed into absurdity.
"Junior Brother Li, I’ve been sparring all day. I’ll head to an apothecary for some recovery pills, so I won’t return with you." Shen Yunfei lifted the carriage curtain.
"Take care, Senior Brother."
Li Mo grinned, his lips quirking.
"Oh, by the way—how did you know I performed Myriad Swords Return to Origin at the Martial Summit?"
It was hard to believe this was the same dazzling junior brother from earlier.
"When you observe the Hengyun Sword Scar, you might stir up an even bigger commotion."
"Once I’ve recovered, I’ll come spar with you too."
With a cupped-fist salute, he departed.
Comprehending the sword?
Beside him, Ying Bing spoke softly.
"This is why Hengyun Sword City stands unshaken."
"Those who prove themselves in the Sword Trial may ascend the Sword Tower. Reach the summit, and the sword scar awaits."
"Whatever martial art you grasp, you may keep—but a copy stays with the city."
Thus, geniuses owed the city a favor, $2hile the city gained more insights into the scar through them.
"Comprehending the sword scar..."
The previously elated Li Mo sobered, lost in thought.
Given his sword talent... what would he comprehend?
He’d barely settled into his swordsman persona—was his image about to crumble?