Chapter 8: Turmoil at the Valley Entrance

At the entrance to the Sunken Sword Valley, the scene was not nearly as desolate as one might imagine.

Lights of all colors descended one after another, revealing the figures of some twenty or thirty outer sect disciples. They gathered in groups of three or five, conversing in hushed tones, yet their gazes flitted over each other with thinly veiled appraisal and wariness. The air was tinged with faint fluctuations of spiritual energy and a subtle tension that was difficult to perceive.

Bai Yue’ning arrived neither early nor late, deliberately choosing a spot on the periphery. Zhou Qingwan and Liu Lingyun had not accompanied her—their assigned areas were different.

"Quite a crowd, rather lively," came Ye Ming’s voice in her mind.

"Over on the left, that one in blue—his aura is hollow, clearly built up by pills."

"And the one on the right, hugging his blade—puts on a posture, but his stance is unrooted."

Bai Yue’ning ignored Ye Ming’s endless commentary, merely observing in silence. Most of the assembled disciples were at the sixth or seventh level of Qi Refining, with a few reaching the eighth, their auras markedly deeper. Her own fifth-level cultivation stood out conspicuously, and already several glances lingered on her before passing with open contempt.

"Well, if it isn’t Junior Sister Bai?" A sharp-edged female voice called out.

Bai Yue’ning looked up to see Sun Wei approaching with her arm entwined around a man at the seventh level, her smile insincere. Sun Wei, always relying on her connections with stronger senior brothers, was known for looking down on those like Bai Yue’ning—mediocre talents without patrons.

"Did you manage to get a spot, too? How lucky," Sun Wei sneered. "The 'B' sector of Sunken Sword Valley is nothing like the outside. The sword aura is terribly vicious. With your cultivation…better stick close when you go in, lest you injure your foundation."

The man by her side glanced at Bai Yue’ning with condescension, snorting dismissively.

Bai Yue’ning’s expression remained calm; she replied only, "No need for your concern, Senior Sister Sun."

Sun Wei, acting as if she hadn’t heard, turned to her companion, "Senior Brother Li Mao, let’s go—Senior Brother Zhang and the others are waiting." With that, she strode off, head held high.

"That woman is such a performer," Ye Ming muttered. "Even her perfume reeks from a distance. And that man—so full of himself, his neck’s about to crane up to the heavens."

Bai Yue’ning cared little for Sun Wei’s provocation, but the feeling of being scrutinized and dismissed made her unconsciously clench her fists. She wanted only to keep a low profile, enter the valley, seek out resources, repair Ye Ming, and strengthen herself.

Just then, Zhou Qingwan approached. As composed as ever, she glanced around before speaking quietly to Bai Yue’ning, "Most have arrived. Be careful inside."

"The B sector is large. It’s best to regroup with us quickly, but if you’re separated, don’t panic. Prioritize your safety."

Her gaze lingered for a moment on the gray-wrapped bundle on Bai Yue’ning’s back. "Most importantly... guard your sword well."

A chill ran through Bai Yue’ning; she understood Zhou Qingwan’s implication and nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Senior Sister Zhou."

Zhou Qingwan gave a slight nod and moved off toward another group.

"She seems to know something," Ye Ming murmured.

"Maybe she just thinks the sword is odd and wanted to warn me," Bai Yue’ning replied. Though she had passed Uncle Li’s scrutiny, suspicion had no doubt been sown.

When the hour struck, a middle-aged cultivator in the robes of an inner sect steward appeared atop a giant boulder at the valley’s mouth, his expression severe.

"Silence!"

His voice was not loud, yet it cut through the noise with an unquestionable authority. The crowd fell silent at once.

"The B sector of Sunken Sword Valley is about to open, and will remain so for five days. The sword aura within is merciless. Your fate is your own."

"Seize your opportunities if you can; misfortune is your lot if it comes. Now, present your tokens and enter in turn!"

The disciples surged forward, scrambling to display their B-sector tokens, transforming into streams of radiance as they entered the valley shrouded in misty sword energy.

Bai Yue’ning did not rush. By the time she reached the entrance with the last of the crowd, most had already gone in.

The moment she stepped through, a crushing pressure descended. Her breath caught, and the flow of spiritual energy within her became sluggish.

"Well, this place is something else," Ye Ming whispered, his earlier levity replaced by caution—and a hint of excitement.

"Can you sense anything?" Bai Yue’ning asked, eyes adjusting to the dim gloom as she moved forward, adapting to the pressure.

"It’s chaos—so many different sword auras tangled together, tearing at each other."

"Three steps to the left—strong sword aura, steer clear."

"Right front is steadier; follow that and the pressure will ease a bit."

Bai Yue’ning adjusted her path and felt the burden on her body lighten. Relief flickered in her heart; Ye Ming’s senses would be invaluable here.

"But," Ye Ming’s tone shifted to one of gleeful discovery. His consciousness darted about, searching. "Chaotic, yes—but that means more 'delicacies' to find! I’ve already sensed several faint pulls in different directions. Not much energy, but appetizers are always welcome!"

"Let’s find the nearest and safest first," Bai Yue’ning reminded him, scanning her surroundings warily.

The valley was bleak, with jagged rocks and fragments of broken weapons littering the ground—most corroded beyond recognition by time and sword aura. The other disciples who had entered earlier were nowhere to be seen, scattered who knew where.

"Yes, yes, safety first. You can’t afford mishaps," Ye Ming conceded. "Straight ahead, about a hundred feet, behind that big black boulder—there’s something there. The energy is gentle, shouldn’t be dangerous."

Bai Yue’ning tightened her grip on her new sword and crept forward, following Ye Ming’s guidance. The earth was as hard as iron beneath her feet, each step muffled. The valley was eerily quiet, broken only by the occasional, directionless shriek of sword energy—a silence more unnerving than noise.

"We’re close, just ahead… Wait?" Ye Ming paused suddenly.

Almost at the same time, Bai Yue’ning heard sounds of fighting and shouting from up ahead. She stopped, slipped behind a large rock, and peeked out.

Not far away, Sun Wei and Li Mao were confronting two unfamiliar outer sect disciples. The dispute had escalated into violence, sparked by a tussle over a small grass glowing with faint golden light in a crevice.

Sun Wei’s side was clearly losing ground, forced back again and again by the opponents' fierce swordplay.

"Ah, a fight?"

"They’re squabbling over loot! That glowing grass does look valuable," Ye Ming commented.

Bai Yue’ning frowned—she had no desire to get involved.

"Hey, don’t go just yet!" Ye Ming protested, sensing her intention to leave. "Ever hear of 'when the snipe and the clam quarrel, the fisherman profits'? Let them fight. We can slip around behind the black rock. I sense something good there—they haven’t noticed!"

Bai Yue’ning glanced at the golden grass, then the four combatants, confirming that none were watching the rear of the boulder. Without further hesitation, she used the cover of the rocks to silently circle around.

The noise of the fight faded, muffled by the massive stone. In a shallow hollow behind it, she found a broken sword, about the length of her forearm, its dull surface almost blending into the rock.

"That’s it—quick, take it!" Ye Ming urged.