Chapter Twenty-Seven: Several Swords, Each Finds Its Master

No one knew how much time had passed before they finally arrived at the entrance to the Armory Pavilion. At first glance, the humble and unremarkable building gave no hint of the immense power it concealed within. Anyone wishing to draw near quickly found themselves repelled, as though the very air threatened to consume them should they make contact, a danger so palpable it sent chills through their hearts.

Lan Bingxian silently recited the incantation, then raised his hand in a gentle, fluid motion. The black, mysterious doors slowly swung open. The group stepped inside, immediately captivated by the dazzling, razor-sharp artifacts gleaming all around them. Only moments ago, these treasures had sat obediently arranged within their wall niches; now, as though sensing the presence of strangers, they all rose with a collective swish, levitating in the air and radiating intense, dangerous hostility. Lan Bingxian waved his hand again, and, as if receiving a silent command, the artifacts obediently returned to their places, as if nothing had ever happened. Once more, they seemed merely ordinary weapons awaiting the hand of their destined master.

“They’re so full of spirit—it’s truly amazing!” Yu Xiaoran could not help but exclaim in admiration.

“There are so many unique and exquisite weapons here… I have no idea which one to choose,” Little Yin added, his eyes dazzled by the selection.

“There’s no need to rush,” Lan Bingxian said with a smile. “Simply step into the Bagua Array and channel your inner energy outward. Then, wait patiently. If a weapon is fated to be yours, it will appear and recognize you as its master.” In truth, even Lan Bingxian was somewhat awed by the sight. Though the Armory Pavilion was a sacred place of Yanlan Academy, this was his first time seeing so many legendary weapons gathered together. He too felt overwhelmed, but fortunately, his master had already taught him the proper method to select an artifact, allowing him to stay calm and confidently explain the process.

“Is that so? Then I’ll be the first to try!” Little Yin declared boldly, stepping into the Bagua Array. Closing his eyes, he moved his hands through the air in unison, then unleashed a burst of inner energy. He expected some dramatic change within the Armory Pavilion, but all remained eerily calm.

“How could nothing happen? Is there really no weapon in this vast treasury that is fated for me?” Little Yin said, disappointment evident in his voice.

“Don’t lose heart, Brother Yin. Since Master brought us here, it must mean there’s a weapon destined for each of us. Be patient and wait a bit longer,” Leng Huaiyi reassured him.

“Alright, I’ll give it another try.” Little Yin launched several more bursts of energy. Just when he’d nearly given up hope, a niche in the far corner began to tremble. Suddenly, a sword glowing with a faint red light flew out. Though it looked unremarkable, it radiated an intimidating aura and was surprisingly light and agile in the hand. Little Yin eagerly caught the sword, stepped out of the Bagua Array, and began to examine his new treasure.

“I heard Master mention that several swords once formed a single weapon, but during the War of Immortals and Shades they were deliberately sundered and became separate blades. Perhaps the sword in your hand is one of those fragments?” Lan Bingxian said excitedly, recalling tales of the swords’ combined might. “If so, the rest of you should try channeling energy toward that same corner to see if the other swords will respond.” He gazed at the corner, deep in thought.

“Let me try as well. Perhaps I too am fated for one of these swords,” Lan Wu declared. She stepped into the Bagua Array, took a deep breath, and moved her hands with a dancer’s grace. With a gentle push, her energy surged toward the unremarkable corner. Another tremor, and a sword glowing green shot out. Lan Wu caught it with a smile, stepped out, and joined Little Yin to admire their finds together.

“So even the swords come in pairs! Fate surely intends for you two to end up together—there’s no escaping it!” Yan Xuesu teased, her words tinged with envy.

“It’s just a coincidence, Sister. You’re reading too much into it.” Lan Wu replied with a contented smile, clearly having accepted Little Yin. She no longer minded others’ jokes; on the contrary, she seemed to quietly acknowledge the bond between them.

“I can’t wait any longer. Let me have a turn!” Yu Xiaoran strode into the Bagua Array, summoned his inner energy, and sent it toward the corner. Another tremor, another sword—this one radiating golden light, exuding nobility. Yu Xiaoran seized it and gave it a few experimental swings, finding it every bit as superior as he’d hoped. Laughing with delight, he left the Bagua Array.

“This sword’s regal aura suits you perfectly, adding even more heroism and splendor to your bearing. It seems this weapon truly knows how to choose its master!” Yan Xuesu praised him, her eyes filled with affection.

“Nothing is more alluring than a beautiful lady with a matching blade. Go on, let’s see which sword recognizes my beloved’s worth!” Yu Xiaoran smiled at Yan Xuesu.

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Yan Xuesu glided into the Bagua Array, her graceful movements captivating all. As she spun, she released her energy toward the corner. Once more, a tremor, and a sword glowing with violet light flew out. The moment she grasped the sword, she seemed even more enchanting and mysterious, surpassing all others in beauty. Yan Xuesu was clearly pleased as she stepped back to the group.

“Brother Yu’s sword is radiant and noble, Sister Yan’s is mysterious and elegant. Both possess the same aristocratic air—aren’t they a perfect pair?” Lan Wu exclaimed.

“You mischievous girl, always teasing!” At first, Yan Xuesu had worried her sword might not complement her beloved’s, but Lan Wu’s words brought her a joyful smile. Even Yu Xiaoran pulled Yan Xuesu into his arms, delighting in their matching blades.

“Brother Leng, please, you go next,” Yu Shang said, not in any hurry to claim his own sword, preferring to let others go first.

“Alright, I won’t refuse.” Leng Huaiyi entered the Bagua Array, made a simple gesture, and sent his energy toward the mysterious corner. Another tremor, and a sword glowing softly with white light appeared. Its understated elegance matched Leng Huaiyi’s reserved and steady nature, and even he felt an instant connection, as if they were one.

“What a fine sword!” Leng Huaiyi exclaimed, gazing at it as though afraid it might vanish the next moment.

“I’m getting more and more curious—what will Brother Yu Shang’s sword be like?” Yu Xiaoran wondered aloud.

“Yes, I can’t wait to see what that rascal gets! Hurry up, I’m dying of anticipation!” Little Yin urged.

“Well, since you’re all so eager, I think I’ll keep you in suspense a little longer. Why not let Brother Lan go first?” Yu Shang replied mischievously, motioning for Lan Bingxian to proceed.

“Oh? Will you be joining the upcoming tournament as well, Brother Lan?” Yan Xuesu asked in surprise.

“Yes! Master wants me to test my skills against other strong contenders, so I’ll be competing alongside all of you. But how did you know, Brother Yu?” Lan Bingxian explained, then looked at Yu Shang in puzzlement. Yu Shang only smiled, having already seen the anticipation in Lan Bingxian’s eyes.

“That means our chances of victory just went up!” Lan Wu said excitedly.

“Don’t be modest, Junior Brother. Please go ahead,” Leng Huaiyi urged gently, having a particular fondness for his junior, perhaps because their natures were so alike.

“Very well, I won’t stand on ceremony.” Lan Bingxian entered the Bagua Array, took a deep breath to calm his excitement, then hurled a burst of energy toward the corner. The familiar tremor, and a sword glowing with blue light shot forth. Joyfully, Lan Bingxian grasped it, holding it tightly as if reuniting with a long-lost treasure. The sword’s purity and tranquility mirrored the most distinctive qualities of Lan Bingxian himself, giving off a sense of openness and quiet refinement.

“Now only you remain, Brother Yu Shang!” Lan Wu said with a smile, as the others all turned their eager gazes upon him.

Yu Shang stepped into the Bagua Array. Just as he was about to unleash his energy, a niche in the corner suddenly exploded, and a pitch-black sword flew out, hurtling straight toward him. Everyone thought it would strike him; Yu Shang braced himself to deflect it. But the sword halted a fist’s breadth from his body, then began to circle him rapidly, emanating a powerful energy that illuminated Yu Shang in its glow. Finally, it came to rest, hovering before him. Yu Shang was startled, but reached out and took the sword. In that instant, the other swords broke free from their owners’ hands and flew toward him.

Everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events, left standing in astonishment, unsure what to do.

At that moment, Lan Bingxian’s master arrived. Upon witnessing the scene, he exclaimed, “The main blade among these swords has recognized you as its master! I thought it would never again yield to anyone, and yet it has chosen you!” The old man could hardly believe his eyes. “It seems you are a born king, for even divine weapons bow to your will. Your potential is limitless! To tell the truth, I had hoped one day to master this sword myself, but today, it has chosen you. So be it—such things are decreed by fate.”

With a smile, Yu Shang laid the sword flat across his palms, and in an instant, the other swords returned to their respective masters. The group could only marvel in silence at what had transpired.