189: Chapter 189 The Elder's Summoning Brings an Opportunity; First Hearing of the Sword Ruins Secret Realm

The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Ye Qing left Tingjian Cliff and flew toward the higher reaches of Wenjian Peak, following the address left in Elder Jian Wuxin's voice transmission from yesterday.

Elder Jian Wuxin's Immortal Cave was located on a platform near the summit of Wenjian Peak, shrouded in dense Spiritual Qi and swirling clouds; it was far more imposing than Ye Qing's Immortal Cave at Tingjian Cliff.

In front of the Immortal Cave, several old pine trees with gnarled branches and leaves like jade were planted, adding a sense of antiquity and tranquility.

Ye Qing landed on the platform and straightened his robes. Just as he was preparing to announce his presence, the door curtain made of green bamboo automatically parted, revealing a simple yet elegant living room inside.

"Come in." Elder Jian Wuxin's voice echoed from within the Immortal Cave.

Ye Qing acknowledged and stepped inside.

The living room was sparsely furnished, containing only a few bamboo chairs and a wooden table. On the table sat a set of purple clay tea ware, with the fragrance of tea curling in the air. Elder Jian Wuxin was sitting in the main seat, holding a steaming cup of Spiritual tea. Seeing Ye Qing enter, he gestured to the chair opposite him: "Sit."

Ye Qing complied and sat down, his demeanor respectful yet neither servile nor overbearing.

Elder Jian Wuxin glanced at him, a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes: "It has been half a month; your Qi seems to have become even more steady. It seems you have not wasted this past half-month."

"Elder, you flatter me. This Junior merely went to the Scripture Pavilion to read some books and gained a little insight," Ye Qing answered modestly.

"Reading is also a form of cultivation. It is good that you can calm your heart and not go about showing off," Elder Jian Wuxin said, setting down his teacup. His tone shifted, "I summoned you here today to discuss two matters with you."

Ye Qing's spirits lifted, and he straightened his posture: "Please instruct me, Elder."

"The first matter concerns your apprenticeship," Elder Jian Wuxin looked at him and said slowly. "The phenomenon you triggered at the heavenly sword stele is enough to move many Elders in the Dao Integration Realm within the Sect. However, after discussing it with the Sect Master, we have decided to postpone assigning a Revered Master to you. You will first cultivate in the Sect as a Core Disciple for a period of time. Once you have a deeper understanding of the Sect, and after the Elders have had more time to observe you, we will make a final decision. Do you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Qing's mind shifted slightly, and he understood Elder Jian Wuxin's intention. This was meant to observe him for a longer period and to avoid him being bound too early to a specific Elder's faction. For him, this was not necessarily a bad thing.

"This Junior has no objections and will follow the arrangements of the Elder and the Sect Master," he replied respectfully.

"Good," Elder Jian Wuxin nodded and continued, "The second matter concerns your future path of cultivation."

He paused, his tone becoming slightly more serious: "Have you ever heard of the 'Sword Ruins Secret Realm'?"

Ye Qing's heart stirred, and he shook his head: "This Junior is ignorant and has not heard of it."

"The Sword Ruins Secret Realm is an extremely important ancient ruin controlled by our Heavenly Sword Sect. Legend has it that it is a ruin left behind after the collapse of an ancient Sword Cultivator civilization, where the remains and Legacies of countless ancient Sword Cultivators are buried. It also contains many unknown dangers and Opportunities," Elder Jian Wuxin explained slowly. "Every three hundred years, the entrance to the Sword Ruins Secret Realm opens. At that time, the Sect organizes a group of elite Disciples to enter and undergo trials, searching for Opportunities."

"And this time, the opening of the Sword Ruins Secret Realm is one year from now." Elder Jian Wuxin's gaze fell upon Ye Qing. "I intend to recommend you for a spot to enter the Sword Ruins Secret Realm. However, the Sword Ruins Secret Realm is exceptionally dangerous; even Cultivators in the Void Refinement Realm risk falling there. Are you willing to go and try?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of light crossed Ye Qing's eyes. The ruins of an ancient Sword Cultivator civilization, burying the remains and Legacies of countless Sword Cultivators... This was undoubtedly a huge temptation for him. He barely hesitated before nodding solemnly: "This Junior is willing!"

"Good! You have ambition!" A look of approval appeared on Elder Jian Wuxin's face. "In that case, prepare well during this year. Go to the Scripture Pavilion more often, visit the Sword-Testing Plaza, and improve your strength. One year from now, I hope to see you shine brilliantly in the Sword Ruins Secret Realm."