The sun sank low behind jagged peaks, spilling fire-orange light over the Swordbearer Sect's ancient training grounds. Shadows stretched long, creeping like silent watchers over the cracked stone. Yan Xuanlanbin stood alone amid the scars of countless battles—the ground beneath his feet etched with runes, sword strikes, and broken stone. His body throbbed with lingering adrenaline, heart pounding like a war drum.
The fight with Lian Zephyr still burned fresh in his mind—the clash of steel, the explosion of Sword Qi, the feel of the Supreme Sword alive in his hands. That battle had pushed him past every limit he'd known so far. Yet, deep inside, Yan felt something awakening—something fierce and primal.
The power of the Second Bloodstage Seal beneath his chest pulsed like molten gold, flooding his veins with burning energy. But this power was raw, untamed. It was a beast waiting to be unleashed.
He tightened his grip on the Supreme Sword. The blade's ancient runes shimmered softly, glowing with a golden light that seemed to respond to his heartbeat.
Yan closed his eyes and lowered himself into the Foundation Stance—a deep, rooted posture that every Swordbearer of the Sect practiced since childhood. It wasn't just a stance. It was a connection. A channel between body, spirit, and sword. It calmed the storm inside, letting his Sword Qi flow like a river—not a raging torrent, but a precise, unstoppable force.
Around him, the wind whispered through the ancient trees, carrying the scent of stone and moss. Time slowed, and the world shrank to the beat of his breath, the golden pulse beneath his chest, and the whispering will of the Supreme Sword.
Inside his dantian—the core of his cultivation energy—a spark ignited. The Second Bloodstage Seal flared bright, sending golden lines racing like lightning along his arms. It was as if ancient dragons had awakened beneath his skin, their scales shimmering with untold power.
Yan rose slowly, eyes glowing like molten gold.
The Supreme Sword thrummed in his hands, alive and eager.
He took a deep breath and lifted the blade high.
The moment stretched, breathless and electric.
Yan's sword traced a wide, fluid arc through the air.
Golden light spilled from the blade, swirling and coiling like a mighty dragon winding through clouds and storms.
The Slash was fluid, graceful, a perfect fusion of power and control.
A crack tore through the air.
A shockwave exploded outward, shaking the ground and sending dust and pebbles tumbling like falling stars.
Yan's eyes snapped open, fierce and sharp as a hawk's.
He lowered the sword slowly, the golden dragon's tail fading into the settling air.
The technique—Golden Dragon Slash—was real. And it was more powerful than he ever imagined.
But his moment of triumph shattered.
The ground beneath him trembled.
From the shadows of the surrounding trees, robed figures emerged—ancient cultivators with faces carved by time and battle scars. They were the Sect Elders, their eyes wide with shock, respect, and something deeper—expectation.
The eldest stepped forward, his voice grave and heavy.
"Yan Xuanlanbin," he said, voice like stone grinding against steel, "you have awakened the Golden Dragon Slash—a technique lost to the ages, a power that only the true Supreme Swordbearer can command."
Yan bowed low, respect flowing like water.
"There is still more to learn," he said quietly. "I want to master it fully."
The Elders exchanged silent looks.
"The next trial lies ahead—deep within the Realm of Shadows," the eldest said. "Only by facing the darkness can you sharpen your light. This Realm tests not only your power but your mind and spirit."
Without hesitation, Yan followed the Elders down a winding stone path carved deep into the mountain's heart. The air grew thick and cold. Shadows curled like smoke, swallowing the light, twisting around the rocky walls.
The Realm of Shadows was a place where light bent and broke, where illusions could trap even the strongest cultivator's mind and soul.
Yan's hand tightened around the Supreme Sword's hilt.
His breath was steady. His heart, ironclad.
Suddenly, the darkness exploded to life.
From the blackness lunged shadow beasts—creatures formed from corrupted Sword Qi, their eyes glowing with cruel hunger. Their claws dripped with dark energy, and their snarls echoed through the cavern like death's own howl.
The battle erupted in a flash.
Yan moved like a bolt of golden lightning.
His Supreme Sword traced arcs of golden fire, slashing through shadows with dazzling speed.
Each strike released waves of burning Sword Qi that tore through the beasts like a sun burning away night.
A massive beast crashed in from the side, claws aiming to rip Yan's side open.
Yan twisted mid-air, the Supreme Sword flashing a crescent of golden light that severed the attack mid-air and sent the creature crashing back into the darkness.
The fight was brutal, relentless.
The Realm of Shadows pressed against Yan's mind, sending illusions—visions of fear, failure, and endless darkness.
But Yan's Golden Dragon Slash was more than just a technique.
It was a promise—an unbreakable vow to carve his path through the Nine Realms and claim the title of Supreme Swordbearer.
With a roar, Yan summoned the deepest reserves of his Bloodstage Seal.
The Second Seal flared hotter than ever, golden light streaming from his body like a dragon breaking free from chains.
His Supreme Sword blazed with fierce energy.
He unleashed a Golden Dragon Tempest—a storm of golden slashes spinning outward like a cyclone, shredding shadow beasts and burning away darkness in a brilliant blaze.
The beasts howled and scattered, their forms dissolving into shadows scattered by the golden storm.
As the last shadow beast faded, Yan stood tall, breathing hard.
The golden seal on his chest pulsed like a heart of fire.
The mountain whispered ancient secrets around him, the sword's will guiding his steps deeper into the darkness.
Yan knew—this was only the beginning.
The Nine Realms awaited him.
Each realm held greater trials, deadlier enemies, and deeper secrets of the Supreme Sword.
And with every step, Yan Xuanlanbin's legend grew.