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Chapter 37 - The Precipice of Secrets

Liam Ardent's white-robed figure drifted across the mountain path, his presence calm as snow on stone. Behind him, Lord Alistair Valehart followed at a measured distance, his expression warm yet his eyes shadowed with thoughts he did not speak.

The patriarch of Valehart Manor had long been known for his iron composure, his courtesy polished as jade. But as he studied Liam's back, something in the depths of his gaze flickered with calculation—like the tip of a blade hidden beneath velvet.

"Sir Ardent," Alistair began, his tone hearty and unassuming, "the Kunlun range is no mere mountain chain. It is the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Peaks. Over a thousand summits, many cloaked in snow all year. Yet within this wilderness, you will also find valleys of eternal spring. The Ming Cult, the Kunlun Sect, and even my Valehart Manor all draw strength from these ridges."

His words flowed easily, part lecture, part performance—the very picture of a host eager to share his homeland.

Liam's lips curved faintly. "Valehart Lord, tell me—are there any cliffs nearby? Places perilous enough to temper lightness skill? My cultivation… requires such a setting."

The request was spoken casually, but Alistair's heart stirred. So, he seeks a cliff? And for what purpose? His blade? The Sword of Heaven perhaps…?

He schooled his expression, replying smoothly, "Cliffs? Indeed, there are many—ten at least within 50 kilometers. Yet the nearest and most perilous is but 15 kilometers ahead. A region of ancient forest untouched by man. Few dare tread there. It is said to be the haunt of savage apes—creatures unmatched in their climbing. Martial men who entered often returned battered and humiliated, if they returned at all. It is… not a place to risk lightly."

At the mention of apes, Liam's pulse steadied, though his eyes gleamed. Then it is here. The white ape… and the Nine Suns Divine Skill it guards.

He smiled lightly. "Danger often conceals opportunity. Lead me there."

Alistair hesitated for only a breath. Though uncertain of Liam's true intention, suspicion gnawed at him that this was linked to the legendary Heaven-Reliant Sword. To let Liam wander alone would be folly. "Very well. Let us go together."

The journey was swift; two first-rate experts covering 15 kilometers as though crossing a courtyard. Before long, they reached a cliff's edge where the land fell away into mist.

Liam stood upon the precipice, wind tugging at his moon-white robes. Across the void rose a jagged slope, ten fathoms distant. Below stretched a chasm of bottomless depth, clouds rolling like a restless sea.

Breathing deeply, Liam's eyes sharpened. Yes. This is the place. Somewhere beyond this abyss lay the hidden grotto, a paradise lost within Kunlun's bones. And within it, the white ape with its coveted scripture.

At his side, Alistair Valehart raised a hand in caution. "Sir Ardent, take heed. This is the Abyss of Ten Thousand Fathoms. Sheer walls, no handholds. Should one fall, even a grandmaster would be dashed to dust. If it is lightness you wish to test, there are gentler cliffs. To risk this is sheer madness."

Liam only chuckled, gaze serene. "Madness, perhaps. Yet this path calls to me. My thanks, Lord Valehart—your guidance has been invaluable."

Then, without warning, he stepped forward.

His figure descended like a drifting feather—yet each time his body dropped, his toes alighted upon jutting stone, a tree root, even the faintest crack in the wall. It was as though the cliff itself bent to aid him, carrying him downward in measured grace.

Alistair's composure cracked, his voice torn with disbelief. "Wudang's Ladder of Clouds…!"

The white-clad figure vanished into the rolling sea of mist.

Alone on the cliff's edge, Alistair exhaled slowly, his mask of courtesy falling away. His expression hardened, his voice low as he muttered to himself:

"So. He dares the abyss. Perhaps the heavens themselves will rid me of this threat. And yet…"

From within his sleeve, a small vial glimmered faintly—Heaven-Silencing Powder, a tasteless poison that melted muscle to jelly.

"I had planned to lace his wine, to soften him before prying forth the sword's location. Now he leaps willingly into Kunlun's jaws. Hah. Perhaps fate denies me the Heaven-Reliant Sword after all."

He cast his gaze once more into the mist, where Liam had vanished. Then with a bitter sigh he turned back toward Valehart Manor, his robes whispering of plots yet unspent.

For even if Liam returned alive… Alistair Valehart would be waiting.

Glossary – Chapter 37

Lord Alistair Valehart – Patriarch of Valehart Manor, descendant of Zhu Ziliu, outwardly genial but deeply calculating, covets the Heaven-Reliant Sword. Known in Jianghu as "The Pen That Shakes Heaven.

"Abyss of Ten Thousand Fathoms – Perilous Kunlun cliff, said to be haunted by great apes. Believed to conceal the entrance to a hidden paradise.

Heaven-Silencing Powder – A colorless, tasteless toxin prepared by Alistair Valehart; causes the victim's limbs to weaken as if boneless.

Ladder of Clouds  – Wudang's supreme lightness skill, allowing a martial artist to descend or ascend sheer cliffs with grace akin to walking on air

This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .

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